Adoption of the Constitution 6/15/25

Federalists

Supported strong federal government and quick ratification of the Constitution

Anti-Federalists

Wanted stronger state rights and a weaker federal government

Bill of Rights

Anti-Federalists wanted it included to protect citizens from federal power

Federalist View

Wanted to ratify the Constitution first and add a Bill of Rights later

Ratification Process

Constitution had to be approved by 9 of the 13 states

First State

New Hampshire was the first to ratify the Constitution in 1788

Final State

Rhode Island was the last to ratify the Constitution in 1790

Constitution Becomes Law

Once enough states approved, the Constitution became official law