Debate over Ratification
		The debate over ratifying the Constitution happened in homes, taverns and restaurants throughout the US in the late 1780s.  But, perhaps the main medium for discussion of the Constitution was through the newspapers.  The Federalists, those in favor of the Constitution and a strong central government, and the Anti-Federalists, those who favored a weak national government, debated the issues in s series of essays meant to persuade readers. The Federalist Papers were especially important in New York and Virginia where the Constitution was narrowly passed.  The writers of the Federalist Papers, John Jay, Alexander Hamilton ,and James Madison, openly explored and explained the concepts included within the Constitution.  Their writings reflected Enlightenment thought and a blending on European and American ideals on government.
	Task:  Read a couple Federalist Papers and Anti-Federalist Papers.  Create a 75 word "letter to the editor" speaking in favor or against the proposed Constitution.  Be sure to state which paper(s) you are respond to.