Question

a. summarize. why did the framers establish a ratification process that bypassed congress and the state legislatures?
b. compare and contrast: how did the antifederalists and federalists differ in their views on national government?

Explanation:

Part a

The Framers bypassed Congress and state legislatures for ratification (using state ratifying conventions) because they wanted a more direct expression of the people's will (as conventions would be elected by voters specifically for ratification, unlike legislatures with other duties) and to avoid bias: Congress and state legislatures had interests tied to the existing system, while conventions could focus on the Constitution's merits. Also, the Articles of Confederation required state legislatures' approval, but the Framers sought a new basis (popular sovereignty) for the Constitution, so conventions (representing the people) were more appropriate.

• Federalists: Supported a strong national government with separated powers (executive, legislative, judicial) and a system of checks and balances. They believed a robust national government was needed to maintain order, protect property, and handle national/foreign affairs (e.g., trade, defense), and that the Constitution’s checks would prevent tyranny. They saw the states as subordinate in key areas (like commerce, defense) but still recognized state powers in local matters.
• Antifederalists: Feared a strong national government would become tyrannical (like British rule), so they favored more power for states. They wanted a weaker national government, more direct state control, and were skeptical of the Constitution’s lack of a Bill of Rights (seeing it as a threat to individual liberties). They believed states, being closer to the people, were better at protecting rights and local interests.

Answer:

The Framers established a ratification process (via state ratifying conventions) bypassing Congress and state legislatures to secure a direct expression of popular will (conventions elected for this sole purpose, unlike legislatures with other agendas), avoid bias from bodies with stakes in the existing system, and ground the Constitution in popular sovereignty (rather than the Articles’ state - legislature - centered approval, as the new system aimed to derive authority from the people).

Part b