Thematic Essay
Mrs. Wood
Due: Monday October 29, 2012
Directions: Write a multiple paragraph essay that addresses the Task
including an introduction and conclusion.
Theme: A Call for Change
Historical Context: When the Constitution was written in 1787 and
submitted to the states for ratification, it set off months of fierce and often
bitter debate. There were the Federalists who welcomed it as a stronger and
more effective national government which could successfully tied the 13
states together into one nation. But others, Anti-Federalists, were afraid of a
powerful national government. The debate went on for months in the cities
and villages of this new nation. By 1790 all 13 states would ratify this new
Constitution.
Task: Answer the following questions in multiple paragraphs.
 What issues did the new states have with the Articles of
Confederation?
 What arguments did the Federalists make for the new Constitution?
 What criticisms did the Anti-Federalists have in ratifying this new
Constitution?
 How did both sides compromise in the end leading to the ratification
of the Constitution?