1.5 Ratification of the U.S. Constitution

Federalists vs. Anti-Federalists

Ratification sparked fierce debate. Federalists (e.g., Hamilton, Madison, Jay) supported the Constitution, favoring a strong national government to fix Articles of Confederation weaknesses. Anti-Federalists (e.g., Patrick Henry, George Mason) feared a powerful central government would threaten individual liberties and states' rights, and demanded explicit protections.

The Federalist Papers

Hamilton, Madison, and Jay wrote 85 essays (as "Publius") defending the Constitution. Federalist No. 10 (Madison) argued a large republic controls the dangers of factions better than a small one. Federalist No. 51 explained checks and balances and separation of powers, arguing ambition must "counteract ambition" to prevent tyranny.

The Bill of Rights compromise

Anti-Federalists' demand for protection of liberties led to a key compromise: ratification proceeded with the promise of a Bill of Rights, added as the first 10 amendments in 1791. This addressed fears about unchecked federal power and helped secure ratification in key states like Virginia and New York.

Key terms

Federalists

Supporters of ratifying the Constitution who favored a strong national government (e.g., Hamilton, Madison, Jay).

Anti-Federalists

Opponents of ratification who feared a strong central government would threaten liberty and states' rights (e.g., Patrick Henry, George Mason).

Federalist No. 10

Madison's essay arguing a large republic best controls the dangers of factions.

Federalist No. 51

Madison's essay explaining how checks and balances and separation of powers prevent tyranny ('ambition must counteract ambition').

Bill of Rights

First 10 amendments to the Constitution, added in 1791 as a compromise to address Anti-Federalist concerns about protecting individual liberties.

Try an AP-style question

The Great Compromise resolved a dispute over…

1. how to elect the president
2. the power to tax imports
3. slavery in new territories
4. representation in Congress