p.254 homework answers
Antifederalists­
“Anti” as a prefix means…
People against ratification of the Constitution.
Federalism­
system of government in which power is shared between the national
(or federal) government and the states.
Federalists­
people who supported ratification of the Constitution.
(this is the meaning at this time­­ it changes somewhat in several
years)
The Federalist papers­
ratification essays published in New York newspapers.
Bill of Rights­
first 10 amendments to the U.S. Constitution.
2. Venn Diagram of Federalists and Antifederalists
Federalists
Both
Antifederalists
Favored approval of
the Constitution
Saw a need for
change (Articles of
Confederation was
not working).
Opposed the
Constitution.
Wanted a strong
national government;
power would be
shared with states.
Ultimately, both sides
were willing to
compromise.
Wanted more power to
remain with individual
states.
Believed the
Constitution limited
powers of national
government enough
that it could not violate
rights of states and
people.
Both sides agreed to
follow the decision
reached over
ratification whether
they won or lost.
Concerned about
power of national
government­­ insisted
that a written set of
rights of the people be
added.
3. What arguments did the Federalists use to convince people to support
the Constitution?
The division of the government would prevent tyranny.
People should trust their leaders­­ they get to choose them in elections
(this gives the people control over them).
The Antifederalists?
Without individual protections, there would be abuses and tyranny.
The office of “President” was too powerful a position­­ he could become a
king or dictator.
If not the President, it might be the Senate that would seize power and
take away liberties.
4. Why was it so important that Virginia and New York ratify the
Constitution?
Virginia: had the largest population of any state at the time. Not good to
have the state with the most people decide not to join the new nation.
New York: its location geographically would have separated New England
states from the rest of the country if it had decided not to join.
5. What did the framers of the Constitution do to prevent religious conflict?
In the 1780s (and for many centuries before that time), it was common
practice for the government of a nation to favor one religion (or one branch
of a religion) over other faiths. This caused conflict between different faiths
within the country.
To avoid this, freedom of religion and separation of church and state were
put into the Constitution.