Ratification battle

what happened after the signing of the constitution

opposition to the constitution

what were the proponents of the constitution called

federalists

what were the opponents of the constitution called

anti-federalists

who were the anti-federalists led by

Patrick Henry

What were the anti-federalists worried about

• congress would use their commerce power to heavily tax the citizens

• SCOTUS would overrule state courts

• the president would head a large standing army

• the lack of a federal guarantee of rights would lead to assaults of individual rights

How did the anti-federalists want to amend the constitution

• narrow the power of the supreme court

• create an executive council that could check the president

• leave military power in the hands of the militias

• increase the size of the house of representatives

• reduce congress’ power to tax

What did Hamilton, and Madison do to defend the constitution

wrote the federalist papers

What were anti-federalists adamant about

they would not ratify the constitution without a guarantee of their rights

why did Hamilton think the bill of rights was unneccesary

federalism and checks and balances are better safeguards of Liberty than bill of rights

writing down what rights and individual possesses limits the rights that we have