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 it 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

Federalists vs. Antifederalists

Two Viewpoints on Representation Alexander Hamilton Federalist Melancton Smith Antifederalist

Alexander Hamilton - Federalist From the British West Indies 1774, moved to New York City Lieutenant Colonel during Revolutionary War and Washington’s private secretary and confidential aide Member of Continental Congress leader of movement to call for revisions of the Articles of Confederation.  Wrote the majority of the Federalist Papers

Melancton Smith - Antifederalist From New York Delegate to NY Congress Served in Revolutionary War Served in Continental Congress Prominent merchant who was opposed to Slavery One of the few important landowners and merchants among the Anti-Federalists

Two Viewpoints on Representation Alexander Hamilton Federalist Melancton Smith Antifederalist

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 themselves and those of their class as most fit to govern. •Powerful central government. 2-house legislature, with one house(Senate) being more removed from the people, whom they generally distrusted. •Patrick Henry, George Mason, Thomas Jefferson •Small farmers, shopkeepers, laborers •Believed in the decency of the common man and in participatory democracy (closer to direct democracy). Viewed elites as corrupt. Sought greater protection of individual Rights •Wanted stronger state government at the expense of the federal government. Frequent elections, smaller districts, more direct democracy.

What Really Happened? New York ratified the Constitution by a vote of 30-27 The Antifederalists lost the battle, but won the war. The narrowest margin of any state convention that met in 1787-1788 Bill of Rights, First 10 amendments to the Constitution, were proposed in 1789 and ratified in 1791 Addressed many of the concerns that Antifederalists raised in the state conventions

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