Definition of Federalism The division and sharing of power between the national government and the states (or a smaller subdivision of government).
Anti-Federalists Were really federalists –In that they wanted states to retain a great deal of power They did support federalism and claimed that Federalists supported nationalism While Federalists discussed individual liberty at the hands of the central govt., Anti-Federalists worried too about individual liberty and state liberty
Anti = wanted a small state so as to maintain homogeneity and thereby guarantee representation Antis = strong national government would remove civic duty from the people Antis = very concerned about a standing army and about visions of empire they saw in the Constitution Antis = concerned that individual liberty too would be usurped if not protected Antis = found the Constitution vague, and dangerously complex
Constitution Written in Summer of 1787 in Philly, in secret Ratified by 1788 Bill of Rights proposed by James Madison – ratified by necessary 9 out 13 state conventions in 1791