Congress met in Philadelphia to “revise” the Articles of Confederation.▪ Every state except Rhode Island sends

delegates (55 total)▪ James Madison kept records of debates▪ Debates closed to public▪ Delegates were not allowed to speak about

the proceedings outside of the building The delegates soon decided to “throw out” the

articles and write a new document.

In order to make the constitution official, 9 of the 13 states had to approve

Special elections were held delegates were chosen by voters for a

state convention Those delegates would vote to approve

or reject the constitution

Federalists Supported the

constitution Believed a strong

central government was needed

Believed separation of powers and check and balances would protect individual freedoms

Antifederalists Disapproved of the

constitution Believed power

should stay with individual states

Believed the Constitution did not go far enough to protect individual freedoms

Led by George Washington, James Madison, and Alexander Hamilton

Were supported by urban centers and small states

Published a series of essays called “The Federalist” Analyzed and explained the

constitution to voters

Led by Patrick Henry and Samuel Adams

Supported by rural farmers and large states

Published “Letters from the Federal Farmer” to explain that they believed freedom of the press and religion needed to be protected

Antifederalists demanded a Bill of Rights

Federalists yielded, and promised a Bill of Rights would be added if the states ratified the Constitution

After a series of debates, most of the states approved the Constitution

New government became official in 1789

Added to the Constitution in 1791First 10 AmendmentsSecured individual freedoms and

limited government power

Did the Convention exceed its authority?  If the Convention did exceed its authority, should it have anyway?  

Would the United States have been better off if the Virginia Plan had been adopted as presented?  If the New Jersey Plan had been adopted?