Unit 2: Basic Principles of the United States Constitution

Chapter 4: Federalist Papers vs. Anti-Federalist Papers

Topic: Basic Principles of the U.S. Constitution Principles related to representative democracy are reflected in the articles and amendments of the U.S. Constitution and provide

structure for the government of the United States.

Content Statement: The Federalist Papers and the Anti-Federalist Papers framed the national debate over the basic principles of government

encompassed by the Constitution of the United States.

RIVALRIES?????????????????????

Ohio State vs. Michigan

Yankees vs. Red Sox

Steelers vs. Browns

Hatfields vs. McCoys

Coke vs. Pepsi

McDonald’s vs. Burger King

Federalists vs. Anti-Federalists

I. FederalistsA. For ratification of the ConstitutionB. Wanted a stronger federal governmentC. This would solve problems of the Articles of ConfederationD. State power would have to give way to general welfare of

the nationE. Federal power was defined and limitedF. However, states would still hold some power

Federalists vs. Anti-Federalists

II. Anti-FederalistsA. Against ratification of the ConstitutionB. Believed the Constitution gave the federal government

too much powerC. Wanted more power reserved to the statesD. Argued the “necessary and proper” and “supremacy”

clauses gave the federal government too much power

Federalists vs. Anti-Federalists

Federalists can be said to have won the overall debate on the basic principles of government with the

ratification of the Constitution of the United States. Anti-Federalists did achieve some success with the limitations

on government embraced by the Bill of Rights.

Federalists vs. Anti-Federalists

***Both sides prepared essays to influence the debates at the Constitutional Convention. The essays were called the Federalist and Anti-Federalist Papers.

Have students read excerpts from the Federalist Papers, No. 44, “Restrictions on the Authority of the Several States,” and No. 45, “The Alleged Danger from the Powers of the Union to the State Governments Considered” as well as excerpts from the Anti-Federalist Papers, “A Consolidated Government is Tyranny” and “Federalist Power Will Ultimately Subvert State Authority.” Conduct small-group discussions followed by a large-group discussion on the relative merits of the arguments set forth. Have students consider which side in this debate they support given present-day circumstances.

Assignment

Federalist Papers

Link to the Federalist PapersLink to translation of the Federalist Papers

Anti-Federalist Papers

Link to Anti-Federalist Papers