Federalist vs. Anti-Federalist
Federalist – Argued for a stronger national government because under the Articles of
Confederation, the weak national government set the United States up for failure.
Notable federalist’s = James Madison, John Jay, Alexander Hamilton
Anti-Federalist – Argued that state’s rights should remain powerful over key issues; remained
of the opinion that the American’s fought the revolution to get away from strong central
government. Anti-Federalist’s had a great desire for individual liberties (Bill of Rights).
Notable Anti-Federalist’s = Patrick Henry, George Mason, Thomas Jefferson
Federalist Papers – These papers supported ratification of the constitution with a focus on the
need for a strong central government with restricted powers.
(The constitution sets up for a strong central government with separated powers and a
system of checks and balances)
Federalist vs. Anti-Federalist
Anti-Federalist Writings – These writing opposed the Constitution because it lacked protection
of individual rights.
(When the Constitution was ratified, the first ten amendments (Bill of Rights), were
immediately added to protect those rights).