Compare and contrast the major arguments of the anti-Federalists and Federalists on ratification of the Constitution. Discuss how compromises were made on individual rights, representation in Congress, and slavery.
Major arguments on the Anti-federalists and Federalists on the ratification of the constitution:
Anti-federalists:
They opposed the development of a strong federal government, preferring the power to say in hands of the state and local governments.
Most of the people who supported this ideal lived in rural areas.
They opposed the Constitution until the Bill of rights was added.
Their representatives were: Thomas Jefferson, James Monroe, Patrick Henry and Samuel Adams.
They wished for local power (famers and small rural communities) to regulate the economy.
They thought that each state should manage their own revenue and spend their money as they thought best.
Federalists
Wanted a powerful national government.
Most of the people who supported this ideal lived in urban areas.
They proposed and supported the Constitution.
Their representatives were: Alexander Hamilton, George Washington, John Jay and John Adams.
They wanted the economy to be dominated by the interests of big business and wanted the help of the government to administer the economy.
They were in favor of a central bank and central financial policies, because they thought that the differences in monetary policies led to economic issues.
The compromises made on:
Human rights: The Bill of rights (first 10 amendments of the constitution) are about personal, individual rights and freedom. These were included mostly to satisfy Anti-federalists.
Representation in congress: Equal representation in the senate and proportional representation in the House of Representatives was established.
Slavery: The 13th amendment was made about slavery. This amendment prohibited slavery and any forced servitude (except as a penalty of a crime).
