1) Consider the “Voices of Freedom” selections (pgs. 210-211) and the accompanying questions. * Why does Ramsay feel that the power to amend the Constitution is so important a political innovation? * Why does Winthrop believe that a Bill of Rights is essential in the Constitution? * How do Ramsay and Winthrop differ concerning how the principle of representation operates in the United States? 2) Briefly consider the context of these documents. What did the groups that supported and opposed the constitution choose to call themselves? Where did each find their main bases of support? What were their key arguments? 3) How was the constitution ultimately ratified? 4) What do you think . . .? Do you find any particular arguments for or against the constitution to be particularly attractive or particularly unappealing? If you had the chance to revisit 1787 and participate, which side would you take? Would you have added any additional arguments to the debate?
