Chapter 4, Lesson 2: The Ratification Debate (pp. 118-122)
The Big Idea
Framework Concept: Conflict The debate over the Constitution was quite heated, and the Constitution was just barely ratified.
- Work with students to complete a chart outlining the different points of view of the Federalists and Antifederalists. Include the legitimate concerns of both sides. Be sure to remind students that concerns about strong centralized power came from experiences under the British monarchy.
- Talk about the importance of the state conventions in the ratification process and how the different strategies of the Federalists and Antifederalists were played out in the state conventions.
Lesson Outline
Use the Lesson Outline to preview the content of the lesson. You may wish to print it for your students as a guide during reading.
Check for Understanding
- Divide the class into two sections. Have each student in one section make a list of pro-ratification reasons while the other makes a list of anti-ratification reasons. Then choose one student to present one item from his or her list (either pro or con), and have someone from the other side answer that point specifically. Have students continue to alternate answering each other's points until all aspects have been explored.
- Assign each student the point of view of either a Federalist or Antifederalist. Have each one draw a picture representing his or her greatest concern about the ratification or non-ratification of the Constitution.