Questions and Answers
What does it mean to ratify?
To approve; new states needed to approve the new Constitution.
Who were the supporters of the Constitution?
Who were the Anti-federalists?
Those opposed to the Constitution who wanted more power in the hands of the states.
What does it mean to amend?
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What is a statute?
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Compel means to force.
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What are the Federalist Papers?
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Who supported the new Constitution by promoting its lasting welfare?
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How was the Constitution to be ratified?
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Who expressed concerns that the Constitution could lead to a king?
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Who is known for writing 50 of the 85 Federalist Papers?
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Why did Anti-federalists demand a Bill of Rights?
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Who opposed the Constitution for lacking a Bill of Rights?
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How did the ratification process go?
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What was the debate in New England regarding the Constitution?
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When did all the states finally ratify the Constitution?
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What were the first elections under the new Constitution?
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How was the Bill of Rights adopted?
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What are the main ideas written into the Bill of Rights?
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Study Notes
Key Terms and Definitions
- Ratify: Approving the new Constitution, required by new states for adoption.
- Federalist: Supporters of the Constitution advocating for a strong central government.
- Anti-federalist: Opponents of the Constitution favoring state power and a weaker federal government.
- Amend: The process to change or add provisions to the Constitution.
- Statute: A law; includes amendments that safeguard individual and states' rights.
- Compel: To force; exemplified by the inability to force worship of a specific religion.
Influential Figures and Writings
- Federalist Papers: Authored by James Madison, Alexander Hamilton, and John Jay to defend the Constitution and outline the powers of the central government while ensuring protection of individual rights.
- George Washington's Support: Expressed that the new Constitution would "promote the lasting welfare of that country so dear to us all," in a letter to the Continental Congress.
- Patrick Henry's Opposition: Criticized the Constitution, warning it could lead to a monarchy; quoted as saying its features were "horribly frightful."
- Alexander Hamilton: Born in the West Indies, represented New York at the Constitutional Convention, wrote 50 of the 85 Federalist Papers, and became the subject of a Broadway musical.
Ratification Process
- Ratification required nine of thirteen states to hold special conventions and approve the Constitution.
- Timeline: Delaware was the first state to ratify on December 7, 1787, followed by Pennsylvania and New Jersey.
- Massachusetts Debate: Led by John Adams and John Hancock, delayed ratification until a Bill of Rights was promised; became the sixth state to ratify.
Key Events
- Final Ratification: Rhode Island, the last state, ratified the Constitution in May 1790 after delays from New York and Virginia.
- First Elections: George Washington elected President with John Adams as Vice President; New York designated as the capital.
The Bill of Rights
- Demand for a Bill of Rights: Anti-federalists argued it was necessary to protect personal freedoms and to reaffirm grievances against British rule. Concerns included potential presidential overreach.
- George Mason's Role: Virginia delegate opposing the Constitution's original lack of a Bill of Rights, authored "Objections to this Constitution of Government."
- Adoption: James Madison proposed 12 amendments; 10 were ratified by three-fourths of the state legislatures by December 1791.
- Main Ideas of Bill of Rights: Established natural rights, ensuring freedoms such as speech, religion, non-quartering of troops, and protection of individual rights.
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Description
Test your knowledge on the Federalists, Anti-federalists, and the Bill of Rights with this engaging quiz. Dive deep into the definitions and roles of key terms that shaped the American Constitution. Perfect for students of American history.