1. The Federalists and the anti-FederalistsON
The Federalists and the anti-Federalists

2. Approving the Constitution
It is important to note that not all people, including many of those involved in the Philadelphia Convention, approved of the new constitution
Once written, the battle over whether or not to ratify the document began creating two groups:
The federalists fought for ratification
The anti-Federalists fought against ratification
Approving the Constitution

3. Ratifying the Constitution
In order for the new Constitution to take affect, nine of the thirteen states (a super majority) had to approve
The Constitution was to be presented to special “ratifying” conventions in each state
They wanted the document to be approved by the voters and therefore stayed away from the existing state legislatures for approval
Delegates at the “ratifying” conventions would be elected by popular vote in each state and would be responsible for debating and approving the Constitution
Goes back to Locke’s idea that the “people should consent to their government!”
Ratifying the Constitution

4. Concerns over the new document arose in New York, Virginia, Massachusetts and Pennsylvania
Without the approval of these states, the Constitution would not be ratified
Both sides of the issue begin writing a series of papers, the “anti-Federalist Essays” and the “Federalist Papers” to sway the public to their side
Most of the writers used “pseudonyms” so that their letters would be read on their merits rather than on the reputations of the writers
The Battle Begins

5. The anti-Federalists Objections to the document included…
Republicanism (representative government) could only work in small communities with similar background and common interests
A large, diverse nation cannot sustain a republic!
When a government operates at a distance from the people, such a government will resort to force rather than popular consent to maintain authority
Congress is too powerful
Necessary and Proper Clause (Elastic Clause)
President has unlimited authority to grant pardons
Encourage people to commit crimes and then forgive them
Judicial Branch has too much power and can destroy the state court systems
Treaties made by the President and the Senate
Supreme Law of the Land
No consent from the House (elected by the people)
No guarantees of individual liberties
The anti-Federalists

6. The Federalists The Federalists argued…
The separation of powers built into the Constitution is the best way to promote republicanism
Rights and welfare of all are protected within the system!
The House of Representatives is elected by the people and will protect local interests
The constitution says nothing about the national government having authority over individuals; a Bill of Rights would imply that the national government had powers that the Constitution did not give it
The Federalists

7. Key Figures Key Federalists Key anti-Federalists John Jay
James Madison
Alexander Hamiliton
Key anti-Federalists
George Mason
Luther Martin
Robert Yates
Elbridge Gerry
Richard Henry Lee
Key Figures