Federalists vs AntiFederalists Federalists Supporters of the Constitution

Federalists vs. Anti-Federalists

Federalists • Supporters of the Constitution • Thought a strong national government would: – Provide protection – Maintain order – Regulate trade – Guarantee citizen’s rights – Pay debts – Create a strong monetary system

Federalists Papers • Federalists Papers – Written to persuade ratification – John Jay – James Madison – Alexander Hamilton

Anti-Federalists • Still concerns about a strong national government

Anti-Federalists • Opposed Constitution • Saw a need for an expressed Bill of Rights

Anti-Federalists • Wanted the capitol in the center of the nation – A government “of the people, ” should be located near the people

Anti-Federalists • Opposed the Necessary and Proper Clause (aka the elastic clause) • Gives congress the power to “make all the laws which shall be necessary and proper” for carrying out its duties. – What exactly did that mean? They believed this would lead to abuse of power.

Who Won? Federalists or Anti-Federalist?

We Won! • The federalists agreed to add the Bill of Rights, if the constitution was ratified. • In June of 1788, the 9 th state ratified the constitution, and by the spring of 1790, all 13 states had ratified the constitution. • Because of the Constitution we are united as one nation.