Federalists VS. Anti-Federalists
By: Alexis Brand
Federalists
The Federalists favored ratification's of the constitution. They also wanted to have a powerful federal government. The Federalists also believed that a Bill of Rights was not needed, as federal power was limited. "For Federalists, the Constitution was required in order to safeguard the liberty and independence that the American Revolution had created" (History.org 1). Many of the most talented leaders were federalists such as John Adams, Ben Franklin, Alex. Hamilton, and James Madison. They were well funded, well organized, and had careful use of the printed words.
Anti-Federalists
The Anti-Federalists opposed ratification of the constitution. They believed a weaker federal government was better because each individual states would be able to have more power. "To Anti-Federalists the proposed Constitution threatened to lead the United States down an all-too-familiar road of political CORRUPTION"(History.org 1). They also thought the constitution didn't equally divide the three branches of government.
Ratifications between the Federalists and Anti-Federalists
Resistance against the Articles of Confederation was so strong it almost started a war. "The Federalists wanted to ratify the Constitution, the Anti-Federalists did not. One of the major issues these two parties debated concerned the inclusion of the Bill of Rights" ( The Great Debate). The Federalists promised addition of a Bill of Rights. The constitution was later passed, and James Madison wrote the 1st 10 amendments.
Federalists papers
The Federalists papers consist of eighty-five letters trying to urge ratification of the U.S. constitutions. The papers also said that the constitution needed approval from nine of the thirteen states. The statesmen Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, and John Jay were "arguing that the proposed system would preserve the Union and empower the federal government to act firmly and coherently in the national interest" (Federalists Papers).