Federalists versus Antifederalists Federalist papers (pen name Publius: Madison, Hamilton and Jay) Antifederalists wrote as Brutus and the Federal Farmer Demographics: Feds were large property owners, merchants from Northeast and Mid-atlantic states Antifeds were small farmers, shopkeepers, laborers

What did Antifederalists believe? Wanted one single legislative body Rotation Keep power close to people (stronger state governments, weaker national gov’t, small electoral districts/more representatives to truly represent views of the people, frequent election) GOT BILL OF RIGHTS

What did Federalists believe? Articles of Confederation insufficient Strengthen national government but feared tyranny of majority especially by unpropertied HOW DID THEY ARGUE THEIR CASE?

Federalists’ argument 1. government will fall apart if we don’t give it more power 2. States will actually have more power in the new system 3. scientific style of argument: axioms and logical necessity - “a sound and unbiased mind would find these maxims irrestistible”

Behind the science of politics/logical arguments Beardian thesis (Charles Beard, wrote book published 1913 called Economic Interpretation of the Constitution): Supporters of Constitution represented a distinct class of people – merchants, shippers, bankers, speculators, holders of government securities.

Behind the science of politics/logical arguments Opponents represented individuals whose economic interests were tied to the land –farmers, plantation owners, and debtors –would lose economically from the new Constitution so opposed it. People involved in trade, commerce would benefit while Western landowners, slaveowners wouldn’t.

One study (McGuire and Ohsfeldt) looked at how delegates to the Constitutional Convention voted on whether or not to ratify the constitution. Indeed found that people voted based on economic interests – e.g. delegates who were merchants more likely to support, slaveowners 40 percent less likely to support ratification

Gordon Wood response to economic interpretation Wood is a historian who argued that the Constitution reflects not just economic interests but ideals and values –

Gordon Wood response to economic interpretation Government grounded in consent, contract So Wood takes “ideas” of those who wrote Constitution seriously (ideas like the social contract, individual rights) – felt they had achieved something worthy, created a lasting union based on 1) rep. democracy, 2) checks and balances and separation of powers

Federalism UNITARY CONFEDERATION HYBRID

How are powers divided Enumerated powers Implied powers Inherent powers