Federalists vs. Anti-Federalists
How do Federalist and Anti-Federalist views compare?
Goal:
Goal:
Why was there so much discussion over the Constitution?
It was important to the delegates at the Constitutional Convention to get it right. They did not want to end up with a government that could give a single person extreme power, like a king, because that is what they fought against. They also recognized that the states already had established their own senses of government, but they also knew it was important to have a national (federal) government. There was great debate over just how much power the federal government should have.
It became quite clear that the delegates at the Constitutional Convention could be split into two groups: Federalists and Anti-Federalists.
The Federalists supported a strong federal government. They wanted a strong executive branch (the office of the president). They wanted the government to be able to take power away from the states if necessary. They felt that the three branches of government would be good checks and balances for the people, and therefore the Constitution could stand as is, and there would be no need for a Bill of Rights.
The Anti-Federalists felt that most of the control should be within the state and local governments. They did not want a strong federal government. They wanted a Bill of Rights that would specifically list the rights of citizens.
In this activity, determine if the statement reflects Federalists or Anti-Federalists.
Wanted a strong federal government
Correct! Federalists wanted a strong federal government.
Oops. Federalists wanted a strong federal government.
Wanted the power to be with the States
Oops. Anti-Federalists wanted the power to be with the States.
You're right! Anti-Federalists wanted the power to be with the States.
Wanted a Bill of Rights added
Oops. Anti-Federalists wanted a Bill of Rights added.
Yes! Anti-Federalists wanted a Bill of Rights added.
Felt the Constitution was fine as it is
You bet! Federalists felt the Constitution was fine as it was.
Not quite. Federalists felt the Constitution was fine as it was.
Wanted the president to have the most power
You bet! Federalists wanted the president to have the most power.
Not Quite. Federalists wanted the president to have the most power.
Did not want the president to have the most power
Oops. Anti-Federalists did not want the president to have the most power.
Yes! Anti-Federalists did not want the president to have the most power.
Felt there was no need for a Bill of Rights
You bet! Federalists felt there was no need for a Bill of Rights.
Not Quite. Federalists felt there was no need for a Bill of Rights.
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