Federalists vs. Anti-Federalists Views of the Constitution
The creation of the Constitution entailed hours of debate and compromise, and even when it
was completed, some delegates were unhappy with it. The task of fixing the ailing
Confederate government was not complete yet; each state had to ratify, or approve, the
Constitution. Basically, people divided into two groups, the Federalists and the AntiFederalists. The following questions will prompt you to consider both parties and their beliefs
on how to form the new government.
Document 1:
1. Who wrote this statement? Who was he writing to?
2. What type of powers does the author believe the national government should “be armed
with positive and complete authority”?
3. What are two examples of the powers?
4. Does the author support or oppose the Constitution? How do you know?
Document 2:
5. Who wrote this article? In what publications was it originally printed? When was it
originally printed?
6. What rights were not provided for in the new plan [the Constitution]?
7. If these rights were taken away, everything will be subject to the control of which group?
8. What did the states retain under the Articles of Confederation?
9. Does the author support or oppose the Constitution? How do you know?
Document 3:
Leaders
Types of People that
Supported the Party
Federalists
Anti-Federalists
Alexander Hamilton
Patrick Henry
George Washington
George Mason
James Madison
George Clinton
Thomas Jefferson
Sam Adams
Large landowners
Small farmers
Judges
Small landowners
Lawyers
Debtors
Leading clergymen
Merchants
Main Beliefs
Belief the Constitution has
implied powers.
Want a strong federal
government.
Believe in limited federal
powers--only enumerated
powers.
Want strong state
governments.
10. Which group was supported by the “rich”? How do you know?
11. Which group was supported by the “poor”? How do you know?
12. Look up the definition of “implied powers”. How would this make the government
stronger?
13. Look up the definition of “enumerated powers”. How would this limit the federal
government?
Document 4:
14. What are 5 differences between the Articles of Confederation and the Constitution?
15. Did the federal government have more power under the Articles of Confederation or the
Constitution? How do know?
16. Would the Federalists support the Articles of Confederation or the Constitution? Explain.
17. Would the Anti-federalists support the Articles of Confederation or the Constitution?
Explain.
18. Which do you think should have more power, the central government, or the state
governments? Why do you think that?