Chapter 4: Federalist Papers vs. Anti- Federalist Papers

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.

I.Federalists A.For ratification of the Constitution B.Wanted a stronger federal government C.This would solve problems of the Articles of Confederation D.State power would have to give way to general welfare of the nation E.Federal power was defined and limited F.However, states would still hold some power

II. Anti-Federalists A.Against ratification of the Constitution B.Believed the Constitution gave the federal government too much power C.Wanted more power reserved to the states D.Argued the “necessary and proper” and “supremacy” clauses gave the federal government too much power

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.

***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.

Link to the Federalist Papers Link to translation of the Federalist Papers

Link to Anti-Federalist Papers