The Federalists and the Anti-Federalists: A Historic Debate
The Federalists, led by figures like Alexander Hamilton and James Madison, supported the Constitution, advocating for a strong national government. They believed in a balance between liberty and power, influenced by Enlightenment ideas. On the other hand, the Anti-Federalists opposed the new Constitution, fearing it would concentrate too much power. The debate revolved around issues of governance, property rights, and the role of government in society.
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THE FEDERALISTS AND ANTI- FEDERALISTS
APPROVING THE NEW CONSTITUTION The Constitutional Convention ended in 1787 but each state had to approve the new Constitution. approval of the Constitution, it would required 9 of the 13 states to become the official . Ratification- The new constitution was opposed by a group known as the the Anti-Federalists and supported by the Federalists.
THE FEDERALISTS The federalists supported the Constitution. They wanted a strong national government Alexander Hamilton and James Madison were well- known federalists.
CHARACTERISTICS OF THE FEDERALISTS Generally they were wealthy and powerful individuals. They believe that those who own the country should govern it. Why? They are uneducated. They fear the common people. Believed that government should be based on the will of the people but sometimes the people don t make the best choices.
WHY THEY SUPPORTED THE CONSTITUTION Hamilton said The Constitution is the perfect balance of between liberty and power. Hamilton wrote in favor of the constriction because it protects Americans liberties. He firmly believed that with check and balances and separation of power there would never be a tyrant. (remember King George III)
WHY THEY SUPPORTED CONT. James Madison, in particular, was influenced by Enlightenment thinker John Locke. Locke wrote about the need for governments to protect the property of the people from the unruly mobs, the uneducated masses. Federalists in general believe the government should balance supporting the commoners, the poor people. But the main job of government should be protecting the property of the wealthy. (The people who Locke argues keep countries going.) Many federalists were wealthy merchants who feared rebellions by the poor.
THE FEDERALIST PAPERS Papers written in favor of the Constitution by famous federalists. This was propaganda in favor of ratifying the Constitution. The federalists wrote under the name Publius, a famous Roman who helped create the Roman Republic.
THE ANTI-FEDERALISTS They oppose the ratification of the Constitution. Believed the new government would have too much power. This strong national government would take away from people s liberty. They favored state s rights, and opposed a strong national government.
WHO ARE THEY? Famous anti-federalists included Sam Adams, Thomas Jefferson, and John Hancock. In general the supporters were small rural farmers who didn t want the government to be run by wealthy aristocrats.
WHY DIDNT THEY LIKE THE CONSTITUTION? The anti-federalists believed the new government would only protect the interests of wealthy merchants. Didn t think their personal liberties would be protected by a powerful national government. They were in favor of a Bill of Rights.
