Lesson 4.4 Federalists, Antifederalists, & the Bill of Rights

Compare and Contrast. What was the main difference between the Federalists and the Antifederalists? Did the position of one group make more sense than the other? Why or why not?

Federalist: Federalists argued that the Articles of Confederation left too much power with the individual states. This imbalance produced a dangerously weak central government. Disputes among the states, Federalists said, made it too difficult for the government to function. Federalists believed that the Constitution gave the national government the authority it needed to function effectively. At the same time, they said, the Constitution still protected the rights and powers of the individual states. Antifederalist: Antifederalists felt that the Constitution made the national government too strong and left the states too weak. They also thought that the Constitution gave the President too much power. Patrick Henry of Virginia protested. Most people expected George Washington to be elected President. Antifederalists admired Washington, but they warned that future Presidents might lack Washington's honor and skill. For this reason, they said, the office should not be too powerful.

Identify Supporting Details. The Constitution may have been approved if the Federalist Papers were never written, but the text indicates these documents have a special value. What details in the text support this assertion?

Federalists James Madison, Alexander Hamilton, and John Jay wrote a series of essays, known today as the Federalists Papers. Their purpose was to explain and defend the Constitution. They used pen names, but most people knew who they were. Today, the Federalist Papers remain among the best discussions of the political theory behind the American system of government. Courts still refer to the Federalist Papers in making decisions about the principles and role of government. In this way, they have had a lasting influence on the U.S. system of government.

*Know about Alexander Hamilton

Hamilton was Washington's private secretary during the Revolution. He despised the Articles of Confederation and wrote "The nation is sick and wants powerful remedies." He went on to become the first US treasurer and contributed much to America.

Paraphrase. Rewrite this statement by Patrick Henry in your own words, explaining what he means. This Constitution is said to have beautiful features, but...they appear to me horribly frightful.... Your President may become king... If your American chief be a man of ambition and abilities, how easy is it for him to render himself absolute!

He is saying how the idea behind the Constitution is a good one, but what is being expressed causes him much skepticism. The powers of the president are too similar to that of a king. If the president does not act for the good of the people he will do what is better for him.

Explain an Argument. Explain Madison's position on the Bill of Rights. Why did he say it did not give American rights? According to Madison, what was its purpose?

His position that these rights were natural rights which belonged to all people. He did not believe that a bill of rights gave Americans these rights because they already had them. Madison felt that the purpose of the bill of rights should be to prevent the government form taking away these rights.

Summarize. How does Madison define a republic?

Madison said that the republic is a form of government in which the powers are derived from the people and more specifically all people not just the privileged are protected. In a republic people elected representatives that may vote people into office or impeach them if they are no longer serving the people.

*Know about James Madison

Madison was the most prepared delegate from Virginia and set a model of civic virtue when he arrived in Philadelphia with a case bulging with volumes of research. His idea about how to structure a democratic government strongly influenced the other delegates and is often called "Father of the Constitution."

Identify Key Steps in a Process. Ratifying the Constitution was a long process, taking a year and a half. Which was the first state to vote for ratification? Which was the last? Why was New Hampshire's ratification of the Constitution particularly important? Why was it crucial that New York and Virginia also ratify the Constitution?

Ratification: To give official approval to First: Delaware (Dec 7, 1787) Last: Rhode Island (May 29, 1789) New Hampshire: Was the 9th state to ratify meaning the Constitution could go into effect. (June 21, 1788) New York & Virginia: It was crucial because of the size of their population and while the ratification of the new government would still be in effect the government would still be in weaker state due to the large numbers of Americans who would not be participating in the new government.

Analyze Interactions Among Events. Why was it extremely important that a bill of rights be added to the Constitution as soon as it was ratified? What might have happened if a bill of rights wasn't added immediately?

Some states chose to sign under the pretense that a bill or rights was going to be added to the Constitution. Antifederalists objected to the ratification unless a bill or rights were to be added. If this was not fulfilled, they would withdraw their support of the Constitution.

Determine Central Ideas. What was the Antifederalists' biggest objection to the Constitution? Was this a legitimate concern? Why or why not?

The objection of Antifederalists was that the Constitution had no bill, or list, of rights. They thought it was impossible to list all the natural rights of the people. Basic rights could be protected with a bill or rights.

Draw Conclusions. What does the Bill of Rights suggest about the concerns of the nation's leaders at this time, and the kind of government they wanted to establish?

They were concerned about certain groups of people and threating the rights of American citizens once again. Colonists felt like they lost their rights and freedoms while under British rule. They were determined to establish a government under which they would have no reason to fear the loss of their natural rights and freedoms.

Draw Inferences. Some Antifederalists worried that under the Constitution the President would have too much power. What does this suggest about Americans' concerns at this time in the nation's history?

They were worried about placing too much power in the hands of a singular person and feared that it would be easy for that person to become a king.

pen name

a fictitious name used by an author

imbalance

a lack of balance

Federalist Papers

a series of essays by Federalists James Madison, Alexander Hamilton, and John Jay in support of ratifying the Constitution

Federalist

a supporter of a strong federal government

Antifederalist

an opponent of a strong federal government

subsequent

following in time, order, or place

compelled

forced

spellbinding

holding the attention as if by a spell

festive

joyful

Ratify

to approve

Amend

to change