Federalists v AntiFederalists Objective 1 06 The Big

Federalists v. Anti-Federalists Objective 1. 06

The Big Debate • How to keep the government from becoming too strong • 3 major ways –Federalism –Separation of Powers –Checks and Balances

Federalism • Form of government in which the power is divided between the federal government and the states • Some thought national government would still be too strong and could take over the states

Separation of Powers • Split of authority amongst the national government into three separate branches –Legislative –Executive –Judicial

Checks and Balances • Ensures that one branch will not become stronger than the other • Allows each branch to check, or restrain, the power of the others

Federalists • Supported the new constitution and a strong central government • Believed that a strong central government would protect the people and the states couldn’t

Key Federalists • Alexander Hamilton • James Madison • John Jay

Federalists Papers • A series of essays written by key Federalists supporting the Constitution • 85 total essays written • Most important were #10, #51, and #84

Anti-Federalists • Did not support new constitution • Felt that the national government was too strong and would endanger rights • Thought central government could not support individuals • Believed federal government would take over states

Bill of Rights • Because of their fear of not having rights, the Anti. Federalists demanded a Bill of Rights be added to the Constitution before they would approve

Key Anti-Federalists • George Mason • Elbridge Gerry • Patrick Henry