Federalists vs Anti-federalists Quiz

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Questions and Answers

What does it mean to ratify?

To approve; new states needed to approve the new Constitution.

Who were the supporters of the Constitution?

Federalists (correct)

Democrats

Republicans

Anti-federalists

Who were the Anti-federalists?

Those opposed to the Constitution who wanted more power in the hands of the states.

What does it mean to amend?

To change; the framers wrote into the Constitution a way to change or add to it. Signup and view all the answers

What is a statute?

A law; the Amendments are laws added to the Constitution. Signup and view all the answers

Compel means to force.

True Signup and view all the answers

What are the Federalist Papers?

Documents written by James Madison, Alexander Hamilton, and John Jay explaining the new Constitution. Signup and view all the answers

Who supported the new Constitution by promoting its lasting welfare?

George Washington. Signup and view all the answers

How was the Constitution to be ratified?

Each state was to hold a special convention; upon 9 of 13 states ratifying it, it would be adopted. Signup and view all the answers

Who expressed concerns that the Constitution could lead to a king?

Patrick Henry. Signup and view all the answers

Who is known for writing 50 of the 85 Federalist Papers?

Alexander Hamilton. Signup and view all the answers

Why did Anti-federalists demand a Bill of Rights?

To protect basic freedoms and limit the federal government power. Signup and view all the answers

Who opposed the Constitution for lacking a Bill of Rights?

George Mason. Signup and view all the answers

How did the ratification process go?

One by one, states voted; Delaware was first to ratify. Signup and view all the answers

What was the debate in New England regarding the Constitution?

Massachusetts delayed passage until a Bill of Rights was added. Signup and view all the answers

When did all the states finally ratify the Constitution?

Rhode Island was the last to ratify in May 1790. Signup and view all the answers

What were the first elections under the new Constitution?

George Washington was elected President with John Adams as VP. Signup and view all the answers

How was the Bill of Rights adopted?

James Madison wrote 12 amendments, 10 of which were ratified by December 1791. Signup and view all the answers

What are the main ideas written into the Bill of Rights?

Natural rights that the government cannot take away, including freedom of speech and religion. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Key Terms and Definitions

Ratify: Approving the new Constitution, required by new states for adoption.
Federalist: Supporters of the Constitution advocating for a strong central government.
Anti-federalist: Opponents of the Constitution favoring state power and a weaker federal government.
Amend: The process to change or add provisions to the Constitution.
Statute: A law; includes amendments that safeguard individual and states' rights.
Compel: To force; exemplified by the inability to force worship of a specific religion.

Influential Figures and Writings

Federalist Papers: Authored by James Madison, Alexander Hamilton, and John Jay to defend the Constitution and outline the powers of the central government while ensuring protection of individual rights.
George Washington's Support: Expressed that the new Constitution would "promote the lasting welfare of that country so dear to us all," in a letter to the Continental Congress.
Patrick Henry's Opposition: Criticized the Constitution, warning it could lead to a monarchy; quoted as saying its features were "horribly frightful."
Alexander Hamilton: Born in the West Indies, represented New York at the Constitutional Convention, wrote 50 of the 85 Federalist Papers, and became the subject of a Broadway musical.

Ratification Process

Ratification required nine of thirteen states to hold special conventions and approve the Constitution.
Timeline: Delaware was the first state to ratify on December 7, 1787, followed by Pennsylvania and New Jersey.
Massachusetts Debate: Led by John Adams and John Hancock, delayed ratification until a Bill of Rights was promised; became the sixth state to ratify.

Key Events

Final Ratification: Rhode Island, the last state, ratified the Constitution in May 1790 after delays from New York and Virginia.
First Elections: George Washington elected President with John Adams as Vice President; New York designated as the capital.

The Bill of Rights

Demand for a Bill of Rights: Anti-federalists argued it was necessary to protect personal freedoms and to reaffirm grievances against British rule. Concerns included potential presidential overreach.
George Mason's Role: Virginia delegate opposing the Constitution's original lack of a Bill of Rights, authored "Objections to this Constitution of Government."
Adoption: James Madison proposed 12 amendments; 10 were ratified by three-fourths of the state legislatures by December 1791.
Main Ideas of Bill of Rights: Established natural rights, ensuring freedoms such as speech, religion, non-quartering of troops, and protection of individual rights.

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Description

Test your knowledge on the Federalists, Anti-federalists, and the Bill of Rights with this engaging quiz. Dive deep into the definitions and roles of key terms that shaped the American Constitution. Perfect for students of American history.