The Federalist (and Antifederalist) Review Guide
The Federalist Papers were authored by Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, and
John Jay in the fall/winter of 1787-1788. Federalists believed in a strong central
government and used the press to encourage ratification of the newly proposed
Constitution through a series of “letters to the people” espousing (supporting) the
virtues and protections the new document would give the American people as well as
solve many of the problems of the Articles of Confederation. The letters were signed
“Publius” which is Greek for “public.” Several of the papers are notable for their specific
arguments on the importance of the newly created Constitution principles such as
Federalism, checks & balances, limited government, and separation of powers.
The Antifederalist Papers were written as a result of huge debate against ratifying the
Constitution. Theses arguments appeared in various forms and by various authors.
The authors used pseudonyms (fake names). While the authors of the Antifederalist
Papers are not provided in any particular list, the major authors include Cato (likely
George Clinton), Brutus (likely Robert Yates), Centinel (Samuel Bryan), and the Federal
Farmer (either Melancton Smith, Richard Henry Lee, or Mercy Otis Warren). Other
pseudonyms/authors include An Old Whig, Aristocrotis, Leonidas, Agrippa (John
Winthrop), Candidus, A Customer, William Penn, Philadelphiensis, Richard Henry Lee,
William Grayson and more. Patrick Henry’s speeches may also be considered as
“Antifederalist” work. These papers contained warnings of dangers from tyranny that
weaknesses in the proposed Constitution did not adequate protect against. Some of
these dangers were corrected with the adoption of the Bill of Rights. Some of the
dangers remained; some disappeared as time went by. Overall, the Antifederalists
were extremely concerned about having a strong central government, as they feared it
would mean less power to the states and people and that tyranny would eventually
reign (again).
There’s not an even match of each Federalist Paper with an Antifederalist Paper per se.
The following pages provide a table and a quick list of the descriptions of the main
Federalist Papers and the Antifederalist Papers that provide argument. The table shows
a list of the main Federalist Papers and the Antifederalist Paper(s) that provide(s) the
counter-argument. (Note: In the case of Antifederalist #1, no Federalist Paper info is
provided. In the case of Antifederalist Paper #84 regarding the lack of bill of rights in
the Federalist position rather than paper number is provided.) The list provides a
snapshot, or a general summary/overview, of the main Federalist Papers’
topics/content.
Federalist Paper Number & Theme
Antifederalist Paper Number; CounterArgument
Antifederalist 1
Outlines what the Federalists are
proposing; Explains dangers of how
Constitution is written (at the beginning);
Encourages not to ratify; Wants major
change before considering ratification...
Like a Bill of Rights added!
Federalist 10 (Continuation of Federalist
9)
Antifederalist 37
Factions; Democratic Republic principles
vs. Pure Democracy principles
Federalist 39 (Federalism; Setting up a
republic)
Antifederalist 2, 14, 17, 55, 56, 57, 58
Federalist 44 (Necessary & Proper
Clause; Limits on States rights)
Antifederalist 17
Federalist 51 (Federalism; Separation of
Powers; Checks & Balances
Antifederalist 46, 47, 48, 51
Federalist 70 (Set Up/Nature of the
Executive Branch)
Antifederalist 67, 68, 69, 70, 71, 72, 73,
74, 75, 76, 77
Federalist 78 (Judicial Review; Judicial
independence; Judicial Branch)
Antifederalist 22
Federalist don’t see that it’s necessary...
They think they’ve written the document
to prevent tyranny. Eventually, it’s agreed
that the Bill of Rights will be passed (first
10 Amendments) in exchange for support
of ratification of the Constitution.
Antifederalist 84
Talks about the lack of bill of rights and
that it is needed.
Here is a quick summary/description - a snapshot - of the main Federalist Papers:
Federalist 10
Hamilton says that factions are the real cause of differences in our
government and possibly its ineffectiveness buy they are nearly
impossible to avoid in free, liberty-loving society UNLESS we
create a situation where all can own property, pay similar taxes,
have equality of opportunity and be part of the democratic,
republican process. We cannot control the causes for factions but
we can control its effects. Also mentioned is the difference
between true democracy and a republic so that the public clearly
understands that a republic is being proposed. They continue on
that the size, or “sphere” of the country is a benefit, not a
hindrance, to our new government as that will allow lots and lots off
factions and not just a few, specific parties.
Federalist 39
The issue of federalism is covered by Madison where he says that
the federal government will only be able to act directly on the
citizens in federal matters. The states will have the bulk of power
in this new, untried idea for government.
Federalist 44
The necessary and proper clause is addressed by Madison. The
framers chose this clause from four possible options that would
give Congress complete means to do their job.
Federalist 51
“If me were angels, no government would be necessary.”
“Ambition must be made to counteract ambition.” “... the necessity
of auxillary precautions.” The focus on Madison’s message is that
federalism, separation of powers, and checks and balances wil
protect the people from abuses of government power. Also, that
minority interests will also be protected because of our republican
system with directly elected House members and state-appointed
Senators; large and small states equally represented too.
Federalist 70
Alexander Hamilton argues for a strong executive leader and
asserts, “energy in the executive is the leading character in the
definition of good government. It is essential to the protection of
property... to justice; [and] to the security of liberty...” Hamilton
defended a single executive to overcome the possibility of differing
opinion and dissension, especially during a time when a decision
needs to be made relatively quickly. He believed that arguments
between multiple heads would lessen respectability and weaken
the executives’ authority. He also argued that a single executive
would be watched “more narrowly” and vigilantly by the people than
a group of people would be.
Federalist 78
Hamilton outlines the principal of judicial reivew for the only court
mentioned in the Constitution, the Supreme Court. Judicial salary,
lifetime tenure “on good behavior” and judicial independence are
also addressed. The judicial branch has “neither force nor will, but
merely judgement.” Nor do they have influence over “sword or
purse” which, in Hamilton’s opinion, will make the judicial branch the
least dangerous.
HELPFUL NOTES:
FEDERALISTS
ANTIFEDERALISTS
Supported the Constitution
Did not support the Constitution
Wanted a strong central
government
Fear that States would not have enough power
Writers:
John Jay, Alexander Hamilton,
James Madison (AKA Publis)
W riters: (No one is certain, but they are believed to be written by
these people)
Samuel Bryan or a combination of Bryan and Eleazer Oswald
(AKA: Centinel)
Richard Henry Lee (AKA: Federal Farmer)
Robert Yates (AKA: Brutus)
“John DeW itt” (Author’s real name is unknown.)
George Clinton (AKA: Cato)
Samuel Bryant (AKA: Pennsylvania M inority)
In addition, there were essays written by several different
(unknown) men signed, "A Farm er," "Observer," "A
Philanthropist," "Montezuma," "A Federal Republican," and
others. Patrick Henry and Melancton Sm ith also gave public
speeches denouncing Federalism.
BIG THEME FOR ANTIFEDERALIST: Antifederalist #1 - Need for a bill of rights
Helpful Links:
For Federalist Papers:
http://www.constitution.org/fed/federa00.htm
For Antifederalist Papers:
http://www.anamericanvision.com/freedom_documents/anti_federalist_papers/
Videos about the Federalist, Antifederalists, and their papers:
Ratification: Struggle for the Constitution (1:33)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gl7X96B90ek
The Battle for the Ratification of the Constitution - National History Day 2011(9:56)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mO-Ui50mlqA
The Constitution Ratification Debate by Lucy Wynn (5:22)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dAB3vAoilhw