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The Constitution was drafted in 1787 but not ratified until 1788, after 9 out of 13 states approved it, marking the creation of the first two major political parties: the ______ and the Anti-Federalists.
The Constitution was drafted in 1787 but not ratified until 1788, after 9 out of 13 states approved it, marking the creation of the first two major political parties: the ______ and the Anti-Federalists.
Federalists
Leading Federalists, like Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, and John Jay, wrote 'The ______ Papers' to advocate for a stronger central government.
Leading Federalists, like Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, and John Jay, wrote 'The ______ Papers' to advocate for a stronger central government.
Federalist
The Anti-Federalists were concerned that the Constitution could potentially take away people's ______.
The Anti-Federalists were concerned that the Constitution could potentially take away people's ______.
rights
The promise of a Bill of ______ helped to appease the Anti-Federalists and led to the ratification of the Constitution.
The promise of a Bill of ______ helped to appease the Anti-Federalists and led to the ratification of the Constitution.
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George Washington was sworn in as the first ______ of the United States in April 1789.
George Washington was sworn in as the first ______ of the United States in April 1789.
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The main point of disagreement between the Federalists and Anti-Federalists was the size and strength of the central ______.
The main point of disagreement between the Federalists and Anti-Federalists was the size and strength of the central ______.
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The supporters of the Federalists were mainly ______ merchants, while the Anti-Federalists garnered support from small farmers.
The supporters of the Federalists were mainly ______ merchants, while the Anti-Federalists garnered support from small farmers.
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The debate between the Federalists and the Anti-Federalists ultimately led to the inclusion of the Bill of ______.
The debate between the Federalists and the Anti-Federalists ultimately led to the inclusion of the Bill of ______.
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Study Notes
Ratifying the Constitution
- The Constitution was drafted in 1787 but not ratified until 1788, after 9 out of 13 states approved it.
- The Constitution's ratification created the first two major political parties: the Federalists and the Anti-Federalists.
- The Federalists supported the Constitution and a strong central government, while the Anti-Federalists opposed it and favored a weaker central government.
- The Anti-Federalists believed the Articles of Confederation needed fixing but that the Constitution went too far.
- Leading Federalists, like Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, and John Jay, wrote "The Federalist Papers," a series of newspaper articles advocating for a stronger central government and the new Constitution.
- "The Federalist Papers" are considered some of the best defenses of Republican democracy.
- Anti-Federalists, like George Mason, Patrick Henry, and Samuel Adams, were concerned about the Constitution potentially taking away people's rights.
- To appease the Anti-Federalists, the Federalists agreed to add a Bill of Rights to the Constitution.
- With the promise of the Bill of Rights, state conventions began ratifying the Constitution, and New Hampshire became the ninth state to ratify, making it officially adopted.
- George Washington was sworn in as the first president in April 1789.
- The Bill of Rights was finished in September 1789 and ratified in December 1791.
Federalists vs. Anti-Federalists
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Federalists:
- Favored the Constitution.
- Supported a strong central government and federalism (shared power between federal and state governments).
- Believed in a large central government.
- Their supporters were mainly wealthy merchants.
-
Anti-Federalists:
- Opposed the Constitution.
- Favored a weaker central government and more power for the states.
- Believed in a small central government.
- Their supporters were mainly small farmers.
Key Differences
- The main point of disagreement between the Federalists and Anti-Federalists was the size and strength of the central government.
Impact
- The debate between the Federalists and the Anti-Federalists led to the inclusion of the Bill of Rights, which safeguards individual liberties and guaranteed essential freedoms.
- The establishment of the Federalist and Anti-Federalist parties marked the beginning of political parties in the United States.
Additional Points
- The Articles of Confederation, the first governing document of the newly formed United States, established a weak central government.
- The Federalists believed that the Articles of Confederation were too weak and unable to effectively govern the country.
- The Anti-Federalists feared that a strong central government would become too powerful and oppressive, similar to the British monarchy they had just overthrown.
- The debate surrounding the ratification of the Constitution was a crucial moment in American history, shaping the structure and principles of the new nation.
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Description
Explore the pivotal events surrounding the ratification of the U.S. Constitution, including the contrasting views of the Federalists and Anti-Federalists. Learn about key figures like Alexander Hamilton and Patrick Henry, and discover the significance of 'The Federalist Papers' in shaping American political thought.
