Constitutional Convention Debate Project
For this project, you are randomly assigned to the Federalists or Anti-Federalists, who fought over the
ratification of the United States Constitution. You will receive information about these two historical points-ofview through class notes and group research. On Tuesday November 25th, we will have in-class debates!
Project Rubric
20 pts
20 pts
20 pts
25 pts
15 pts
Turn in individual copy of Questions for Federalist/Anti-Federalist Papers (only for assigned group)
Turn in individual copy of Debate Worksheet
Must include at least 3 points for assigned group and at least 1 point for opposing side
Turn in individual copy of Debate Questions
Group demonstrates knowledge of point-of-view of assigned group during debate
Group provides at least 2 accurate rebuttals to point-of-view of opposing side of the debate
Questions for Federalist Papers
1. Federalist Paper #1 states that “History will teach us. . . .” What words does the author use to tell us what
we will be taught?
2. Federalist Paper #10 states “that the CAUSES of faction cannot be removed, and that relief is only to be
sought in the means of controlling its EFFECTS.” What “effects” is the author referring to and how are they
to be remedied?
3. Federalist Paper #51 states, “If men were angels, no government would be necessary.” What does this
statement imply when it comes to creating a government? What words does the author use to answer this
question?
4. Federalist Paper #84 states that a bill of rights in the Constitution is not necessary. What arguments does
the author make to back up this statement?
Questions for Anti-Federalist Papers
1. Anti-Federalist Paper #1 states that “In order to deceive them. . . .” According to the author, who is
deceiving whom and for what purpose?
2. Anti-Federalist Paper #9 begins by stating, “We the Aristocratic party of the United States.” Why would
Anti-Federalists write from the point of view of the aristocrats? What evidence in this document shows the
aristocrats’ supposed contempt for the average citizen?
3. Anti-Federalist Paper #46 states, “We are left wholly dependent on the wisdom and virtue of the men who
shall from time to time be the members of Congress.” How are the Anti-Federalists making this argument?
4. Anti-Federalist Paper #84 states that the Constitution needs to be “founded on a declaration or bill of
rights.” What evidence is presented to make this argument?
Debate Questions
1. What is your position on a bill of rights being added to the Constitution?
2. How would you address concerns about the “powers of government” under this new Constitution?
3. Can you explain why this Constitution is or is not in the best interests of our nation as a whole?
Adapted from https://www.gilderlehrman.org/history-by-era/creating-new-government/resources/united-states-constitution-federalistsv-anti-feder and http://www.roadmaptolastbesthope.com/_images/_volume1/_chapter4/Chapter4_Debate.pdf
Constitutional Convention Debate Worksheet
Federalists vs. Anti-Federalists
Federalist Point-of-View
Anti-Federalist Point-of-View
Adapted from https://www.gilderlehrman.org/history-by-era/creating-new-government/resources/united-states-constitution-federalistsv-anti-feder and http://www.roadmaptolastbesthope.com/_images/_volume1/_chapter4/Chapter4_Debate.pdf