We will analyze the arguments
(of the Federalists and AntiFederalists) for and against
the ratification of the
Constitution using a review
game, a matrix, a mini-debate,
and an essay.
Prior Knowledge
•Several compromises were made in the
development of the U.S. Constitution
•9/13 states have to ratify the Constitution
before it becomes law
•2 groups formed – The Federalists and the
Anti-Federalists
•Let’s see how well you remember…
TO PLAY
Write “A” or “F” on the white
board and hold up for teacher
to check your answer.
They wanted the
Executive
branch to be
more than one
person.
Alexander
Hamilton
They believed
that the national
government
would naturally
protect the
rights of people
without being
told to do so.
They supported
making the national
government
stronger than the
state governments.
James
Madison
They proposed a
single person to
lead the executive
branch.
They demanded
a Bill of Rights
be added to the
Constitution.
They feared that
a strong
executive might
become a king
or tyrant!
They supported
the ratification
of the
Constitution.
They did not
support adding a
Bill of Rights
George Mason
Patrick Henry
They opposed
the ratification
of the
Constitution.
Thought people
were best
represented at
the local and
state levels.
GREAT JOB!
Step 1 – Analyze the arguments
for and against using the matrix
•Read the quotes
•Identify the speaker
•Explain what each quote says
•Determine the point of view expressed in each –
Federalist or Anti-Federalists
•Identify strengths and weaknesses in the
argument
Next –
Organizing the Arguments
• Now separate the quotes into two piles –
Federalist and Anti-Federalists
Point, Counterpoint Mini-debate
• Divide into pairs
• 1 of you role play being a Federalist…when I say, “Go,
you have 1 minute to make a case for ratifying the
Constitution. You may use the quotes, your notes, and
your prior knowledge.
• Now, the other person role play being an AntiFederalist…when I say, “Go,” you have 1 minute to
make your case against the Constitution. You should
also provide a rebuttal to what your partner said.
• Now switch sides
What’s Next?
• You’ve identified who believed what about the
Constitution using a chart.
• You’ve analyzed and debated the arguments of
the Federalists and Anti-Federalists on a matrix
and in a mini-debate.
• You’ve evaluated the strengths and weaknesses
in each of the arguments.
• What’s the next step?
Step 4 Reflection Writing/HW
Benjamin Franklin said, “I doubt … whether
any other Convention we can obtain, may
be able to make a better Constitution.”
Do you agree with this statement? Write a
persuasive SPEECH convincing the class whether
to accept or reject the Constitution. Support your
position with the quotes and evidence from this
week’s activities. THEN, be ready to give your
speech and vote on the acceptance of the
Constitution at the beginning of class tomorrow.