Federalist or Anti Federalist
My name is Alexander Hamilton
Federalist
A bill of rights would give the impression that the people could only expect protection of those rights that were actually listed.
Federalists believed it was dangerous to list the rights people had for fear of leaving something out.
The Constitution by itself adequately protects our individual rights.
Federalists believed that a Bill of Rights was not necessary
Checks and balances built into the Constitution would keep any branch or person from becoming too powerful. This was a built in protection.
Federalists believed that the checks and balances built into the Constitution would protect citizens from governmental abuse.
The United States needs a strong, central government.
Federalists believed the central power had to be strong TGSD (To get stuff done)
The National government under the Articles of Confederation was too weak and needed a stronger federal government.
Federalists thought the Articles of Confederation was too weak.
My name is George Mason
George Mason was an Anti-Federalist
When asked why he didn't attend the Constitutional Convention, Patrick Henry said, "I smellt a rat!"
Anti-Federalist
The Constitution by itself would not protect personal freedoms
Anti-Federalists believed a Bill of Rights had to be added to the Constitution in order to protect personal freedom.
The Constitution gave too much power to the executive branch (President)
Anti-Federalists believed a strong president would be just like having a king.
The national government would be located too far from most people's communities to allow them to participate.
Anti-Federalists believed most government should be local.
Individual liberties and freedoms could best be protected in small republics like individual states
Anti-Federalists believed that a strong national government would trample on people's rights
The Constitution gives too much power to the federal government
Anti-Federalists believed that the Constitution created a central government that was too strong and that would abuse power.
The Constitution needed a Bill of Rights
Anti-Federalists believed this was necessary to proecdt the people.
The Constitution would lead to a loss of state and local control.
Anti-Federalists were afraid of states losing power
My name is Jams Madison
James Madison was a Federalist
My name is John Jay
John Jay was a Federalist