70 likes | 205 Views
Ratifying the Constitution. Federalist . Anti-Federalist. Supporters of the Constitution Favored a strong Federal government that shared some power with the states (federalism) because…. Against (or opponents of) the Constitution
E N D
Federalist Anti-Federalist • Supporters of the Constitution • Favored a strong Federal government that shared some power with the states (federalism) because… • Against (or opponents of) the Constitution • Believed that a strong national government would tend to usurp (seize and hold) the powers of the state governments • Feared an overly powerful central government destructive to the rights of the people and the prerogatives of the states.
Federalist Anti Federalist • (1) They argued that the checks and balances in the Constitution prevented any one of the 3 branches from acquiring more power • (2) Thought it was necessary to facilitate interstate commerce • (3) Needed it to manage foreign trade, national defense, and foreign relations • (4) Promote economic development and public improvements
Federalist Anti Federalist • Argued that a republic could survive in a territory as large as the U.S. because… • The numerous political factions (parties or groups) would check each other—preventing any one faction from gaining too much power • **Wanted a Bill of Rights added; they thought it was necessary • Forced the Federalists to pledge that a Bill of Rights would be added • The Bill of Rights—1st 10 Amendments (changes to the Constitution)—would be the 1st order of business of the new government
Federalist Anti- Federalist • Argued that a Bill of Rights would be redundant—because… • (1) The Constitution itself protected basic rights • (2) Most states already had bills of rights that clearly defined basic rights that governments could not abolish • G. Washington, James Madison, Alexander Hamilton • Patrick Henry, Richard Henry Lee, Sam Adams, George Mason • Published essays that were against the adoption of the Constitution
Federalist Anti-Federalist • Wrote The Federalist—series of 85 essays designed to convince members of NY state convention to agree to the Constitution • Authors: Madison, John Jay, A. Hamilton • Feared “the people” more than the government • Feared “the government” more than the people
Federalist Anti Federalist • Today those who see a primary role for the federal government in solving national problems are heir to this tradition • Today more conservative thinkers echo these concerns and champion liberty, individual imitative and free markets.