FEDERALIST VS. ANTI-FEDERALIST

DEBATE

Constitution completed in September 1787After realizing the failure of a unanimous vote

under the Articles Constitution 9 of 13 states needed to ratify the Constitution

Constitutional Conventions were held in each state

People were completely taken aback by a new documents-expecting the Articles of Confederation

Federalists and Anti-Federalists write numerous editorials to convince their people of their arguments. Brutus Vs. Publius in New York

CONSTITUTIONAL CONVENTION

Camp 1- Federalists-Supported Constitution as is. Federal Government needs more power in order to function– AoC FAIL because it was weak and ineffective

States need to lose some sovereignty Federal power is defined and limited. As such it would protect the rights of the people.

TWO CAMPS OF OPINION

Anti-Federalists- Opposed to the ConstitutionFederal government has too much powerAll “important” powers belong to the Federal Government (it should belong to the state)

States had little power other than to oversee the election of federal officials

“necessary and proper” and “supremacy clause”- made the limitations on the Fed gov’t pointless.

Constitution needed a Bill of RightsConstitution only favored wealthy men and preserved their power

TWO CAMPS OF OPINION

Feds basically win with the ratification of the Constitution

All 13 states ratify Constitution after the first Congress begins (North Carolina and Rhode Island finally ratify in 1789 and 1790)

First Congress adds a Bill of Rights!1st order of business-very important to Madison

FEDS VS. ANTI-FEDS

Famous Feds: Alexander Hamilton: Publius James Madison: Publius John Jay: Publius

Famous Anti-Feds Robert Yates: Brutus Patrick Henry: Senex? Richard Henry Lee: Federal Farmer Melancton Smith: A Plebian? George Mason: Centinel Elbridge Gerry: Brutus

FEDERALIST AND ANTI-FEDERALIST PAPERS