Headlines from a June 1788 newspaper read:


Extra! Extra! Read all about it! 

         Which side are you on?  James Madison and Thomas Jefferson are both in town.  Jefferson will be attending the Anti-Federalist ratifying convention this coming Tuesday.  However, on the same day at the same time Madison and the Federalists will also hold a ratifying convention on the other side of town.   You can’t attend both, so which one will you go to? 

         Ever since the Constitution was written last year, May of 1787, a debate has raged regarding the need for a Bill of Rights. Jefferson and Madison respectfully disagree over the bill of rights.  Jefferson and the Anti-Federalists believe that certain rights must be included in our new Constitution.  Others, like Madison and the Federalists, believe that the Constitution should be ratified as it is and that specific rights do not need to be included.    

        Both Jefferson and Madison are well liked and respected.   Both are important leaders.  Mr. Jefferson helped write the Declaration of Independence and Mr. Madison helped write the Constitution.   Whose side are you on?

        You can only attend one of the ratifying conventions.  Which will it be?  Are you going to join Thomas Jefferson and the Anti-Federalists?  Or will you join James Madison and the Federalists?  Which side are you on?