Federalists vs. Antifederalists

My Questions What did Federalists and Antifederalists argue over? What were the main arguments of the Antifederalists? What were the main arguments of the Federalists? Why did the Federalists ultimately win the debate over the Constitution?

The Federalists vs. The Antifederalists The Constitution was approved by the Constitutional Convention in 1787, but it still had to be approved by the states to become national law. Nine states had to formally approve the Constitution before it became official. In the event that nine states approved it and other states did not they would become separate states. Food For Thought: What if New York had never approved the Constitution? How different would America be today?

The Antifederalist Argument Many people opposed the ratification of the Constitution, fearing that the creation of a stronger national government would impose on their rights and make state governments weak. They also believed that an overbearing federal government would not be able to wisely manage the diversity of people in America; only state and local governments could accurately represent the American people. These people, including leaders Patrick Henry and George Mason, became known as the Antifederalists.

Federalism and the Federalists Federalism is a government concept that the national government and state governments should share government responsibilities. The Federalists, including Washington, Franklin, Alexander Hamilton, and James Madison, believed that the ratification of the Constitution would create a system of federalism.

The New York Debate New York, America’s most influential and populous state, was an important battleground for ratifying the Constitution. Federalists and Antifederalists wrote to New York newspapers trying to argue their positions. The Federalist arguments became known as the Federalist Papers. They argued for the benefits of national taxation, a military, and the balance of power between the national government and the state governments.

The Federalists Win! The Antifederalist v. Federalist argument was the first great debate in American political history. Because the Federalists were more persuasive, had more popular people on their side, and were more organized at the national level, they ultimately won the debate to create a new federal government. Another major reason the Federalists won the debate over the Constitution is because they promised the Antifederalists a list of protections for individual rights. This would take the form of the Bill of Rights.