1. Federalists vs Antifederalists
Coach Kuntz
United States History

2. What are Federalists and Antifederalists?
-For the Constitution to go into effect, 9 out of 13 states had to approve the document.
-During this time, Federalists and Antifederalists began arguing for and against the proposed Constitutions.
-Federalists- Supporters of of the Constitution who favored a strong federal, or national, government
-Antifederalists- People who opposed the Constitution and a strong national government

3. Arguments of Federalists and Antifederalists
-Favored the Constitution
-Wanted a stronger national Government
-Believed that a strong national government was the best way to protect peoples rights
-Thought the Constitution already protected peoples’ rights, so a Bill of Rights was not necessary
-Believed that a strong President was needed to carry out the nations laws
ANTIFEDERALISTS
-Opposed the Constitution
-Wanted stronger state governments
-Were afraid that a strong national government could take away their rights
-Believed that a Bill of Rights was needed to protect individual rights
-Thought that a President could become too powerful (like a king)
James Madison, Alexander Hamilton, and John Jay wrote a series of essays called the “Federalist Papers” that
explained and defended the Constitution. These letters managed to persuade many that Constitution would be
a success.

4. Ratifying the Constitution
-The Federalists agreed to add a Bill of Rights to the Constitution if the Antifederalists approved the Constitution. Antifederalists approved this plan.
-In 1787 states began voting to approve the Constitution and the ninth state ratified the Constitution in 1788.
-George Washington was elected the first President of the United States in January 1789.
-1789, the first United States Congress proposed a Bill of Rights that were written by James Madison.
-By 1791, the states had ratified the amendments and added them to the Constitution.