US Constitution: Federalism
Covers key figures, beliefs, and debates surrounding the ratification of the U.S. Constitution. Highlights the Anti-Federalists’ push for the Bill of Rights, concerns about centralized power, and differing views on federal government structure.
A faction is a group that
strongly disagrees with another group.
Key Terms
A faction is a group that
strongly disagrees with another group.
The Anti-Federalists wanted to
ensure the Bill of Rights was included in the Constitution
Which best describes Patrick Henry?
He was an Anti-Federalist and opposed the Constitution.
How were Samuel Adams and Thomas Jefferson alike in their position on ratifying the Constitution?
They both opposed a strong federal government.
5) Read the excerpt from The Federal Farmer.
Instead of being thirteen republics, under a federal head, [the Federalists’ plan] is clearly designed to make us one [unified] government. . . . Whether such a change can ever be [made] in any manner; whether it can be [made] without convulsions and civil wars; whether such a change will not totally destroy the liberties of this country—time only can determine.
–The Federal Farmer
What best summarizes the point of view the excerpt expresses?
One unified government probably will not lead to disruptions and civil wars
According to Anti-Federalists, the Constitution
could give the president too much influence.
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| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
A faction is a group that | strongly disagrees with another group. |
The Anti-Federalists wanted to | ensure the Bill of Rights was included in the Constitution |
Which best describes Patrick Henry? | He was an Anti-Federalist and opposed the Constitution. |
How were Samuel Adams and Thomas Jefferson alike in their position on ratifying the Constitution? | They both opposed a strong federal government. |
5) Read the excerpt from The Federal Farmer. | One unified government probably will not lead to disruptions and civil wars |
According to Anti-Federalists, the Constitution | could give the president too much influence. |
Why did Anti-Federalists favor a bill of rights? | It would give the government more power to make laws. |
What did Anti-Federalists fear would happen if the Constitution became law? | Congress would have too much power over states. |
Anti-Federalists argued that | the Constitution would make states less powerful. |
10) Read the excerpt from the Centinel. | People could not create a fair system with three separate powers. |
What was the Federalists’ view of the Constitution? | They approved of the Constitution. |
How did Alexander Hamilton and James Madison view the Constitution? | They led those who favored the Constitution. |
Read the passage. | the viewpoint of those who supported a bill of rights |
Federalists believed a strong government would | encourage states to work together. |
What is the purpose of checks and balances in the Constitution | They would keep any one branch from having too much power. |
Unlike the Anti-Federalists, the Federalists believed | the president should have enough power to lead. |
Read the excerpt from the Publius. | We need government because people are flawed. |
Read the excerpt from the Publius. | the Federalist idea that lawmaking power should be divided among the different branches of government |
Read the excerpt from the Publius. | They would agree and be confident that the Constitution meets those goals. |
Federalists believed a workable government | must separate government into branches. |
Read the following excerpt from Federalist #15 by Alexander Hamilton. | The government could make laws under the Articles, but would be able to enforce them under the Constitution |
Read the following excerpt from Federalist #15 by Alexander Hamilton. | a Federalist who supported ratification of the Constitution. |
Read the following excerpt from Federalist #44 by James Madison. | allowing each state to have its own currency and trade laws |
Read the following excerpt from Federalist #44 by James Madison. | each state should regulate its own trade with other countries |
Read the following excerpt from Federalist #3 by John Jay. | By keeping America united under a strong national government, Americans are more likely to have safe and peaceful lives. |
Read the following excerpt from Federalist #3 by John Jay. | Separate states are less likely to preserve peace with other nations |
Read the following excerpt from The Objections of the Hon. George Mason to the Proposed Federal Constitution: Addressed to the Citizens of Virginia, written in 1787. | a bill of rights |
Read the following excerpt from The Objections of the Hon. George Mason to the Proposed Federal Constitution: Addressed to the Citizens of Virginia, written in 1787. | National laws and the new Constitution would be stronger than state laws |