Federalists vs. Antifederalists

Reading Like a Historian

Key Points to Remember• Constitutional Convention created new

Constitution in 1787

• One of the biggest debates was over representation• Large Population states want is based on population• Smaller states wanted equal representation

• The Great Compromise solved the problem• Bicameral Legislature

• Senate (2 Senators from each state)• House of Representatives (1 rep. for every 30,000 people)

• Antifederalists did not think it was good enough• Wanted more representation; Did not think 1 person could represent

30,000 people

• Constitution had to be ratified by 9 of the 13 states which lead to intense debates is many states• Federalists – supported Constitution• Antifederalists – opposed a strong central

government/wanted a Bill of Rights

Two Viewpoints

Alexander HamiltonFederalist

Melancton SmithAntifederalist

Class Discussion• What was Hamilton’s position on

representation? What arguments does he make to support his claim?

• What was Smith’s position? What arguments does he make to support his claim?

• Based on these arguments, what type of people would you guess tended to be Federalists? Antifederalists?

• Do you see versions of these same issues being discussed today?

Federalists Antifederalists•Alexander Hamilton, James Madison,John Jay

•Property owners, landed rich,merchants in Northern states

•Believed in elitism. Saw themselvesand those of their class as most fit togovern.

•Powerful central government. 2-house legislature, with one house(Senate) being more removed from the people, whom they generallydistrusted.

•Patrick Henry, George Mason, Thomas Jefferson

•Small farmers, shopkeepers, laborers

•Believed in the decency of thecommon man and in participatorydemocracy (closer to directdemocracy). Viewed elites as corrupt.Sought greater protection of individualRights

•Wanted stronger state governmentsat the expense of the federalgovernment. Frequent elections,smaller districts, more directdemocracy.

Quickwrite

• If I had the opportunity to choose, I would have been a Federalist/Antifederalist because . . .