Federalists Vs. Anti-Federalists
Ratifying the Constitution
Struggle for Ratification
1. After the Constitution was signed on September
17, 1787, the fight for Ratification began.
2. 9 out of 13 states had to ratify the Constitution
before it would go into effect.
3. Two factions (opposing groups) emerged:
A. Federalists who supported the Constitution
B. Anti-Federalists who opposed to the
Constitution
4. These two groups argued for their position in
newspapers, magazines, and pamphlets until
the Constitution was ratified by the 9th and
decisive state on June 21, 1788
5. Ideology of Factions
Federalists
AntiFederalists
Supported removing some powers
from the states and giving more
power to the national government.
Wanted important political powers
to remain with the states.
Favored dividing powers among
different branches of government.
Wanted the legislative branch to
have more power than an
executive.
Proposed a single person to lead
the executive branch.
Feared that a strong executive
might become a king or tyrant.
Believed Constitution did not
need a Bill of Rights
Wanted a Bill of Rights added to
the Constitution
Anti-Federalists
1. Led by Thomas Jefferson and included farmers
and small landowners who believed nation’s future
rested on agriculture.
2. Arguments made by Anti-Federalists
A. The Constitutional Convention went beyond what
they were charged to do. (illegal-Treason)
B. A strong national government would destroy
states’ rights.
C. Resembled a monarchy with its concentration of
power
D. Did not have a Bill of Rights
Federalists
1. Argued that the new nation needed an effective national
government to handle the nation’s economy, establish its
monetary system, promote justice, and protect individual
liberty.
2. Took name “Federalists” show link to “Federalism”
A. Federalism: government power is distributed among the
states, but the power of the central authority outweighs
the authority of the states.
3. Included Alexander Hamilton, George Washington,
Benjamin Franklin, and James Madison.
4. Wrote a series of letters/essays called the Federalist
papers in support of the new constitution.
The Federalist Papers
1. Written by Alexander Hamilton, James Madison and
John way under pen name Publius (Latin word for
public).
2. A series of letters published in newspapers
3. Written for three reasons:
A. To influence the vote in favor of ratification
B. To explain the Constitution for future
interpretation
C. Outlined how the Constitution should be set up
4. Included 85 letters published from October 1787 to
April 1788 and later bound in book form.
Ratification
1. In the spirit of Compromise, the Federalists agreed to add
a Bill of Rights which helped the document to be ratified.
2. Delaware was the first state to ratify the document on
December 7, 1787.
3. New Hampshire was the 9th and decisive state.
4. North Carolina became the 12th state to ratify the
Constitution whey they approved the document on
November 21, 1789. Rhode Island was the last to ratify in
1790.
5. Once the document was ratified questions arose on how to
put the Constitution into practice leading to the growth of
political parties.
Rights, Duties, and
Responsibilities of Citizens
The rights of citizens are guaranteed by the
Constitution
1. To vote and hold
elected office
2. To say what you
think in speech or in
writing
3. To practice your own
religion
4. To have a fair trial
5. To be protected
while in other
countries
The duties of citizens are legal rules
1. To obey society’s
laws
2. To defend the nation
against threats to
peace and security
3. To serve on a jury or
as a witness in court
4. To pay taxes
5. To attend school
The responsibilities of citizens are
expectations of society and are voluntary
1. To contribute to the
common good
2. To learn about issues
and take part in
government
3. To help candidates
with their election
campaigns
4. To influence
government by
expressing opinions
5. To improve
communities