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Federalist vs. Antifederalist

Chapter 5.2

The Constitution

Delegates of the Constitutional Convention voted on the Constitution in 1787

However, for it to be official it had to be ratified by at least 9 of the 13 states

…. The fight begins

Federalists

Supported the Constitution and wanted a strong national government Reasons for support

Protect the States Maintain Order Regulate Trade Protect citizen’s rights

Anti-Federalists

Opposed the Constitution and wanted a WEAK National government and STRONG state governments Reasons:

Politicians could be closer to the people they represent

Protect people’s liberties Limit the abuse of power

Anti-Federalist argued that a Bill of Rights needed to be included in the Constitution

Federalist Papers

Essays written in newspapers to support the ratification of the Constitution

Ratification

Hew Hampshire was the 9th state to ratify the Constitution in June 1788 making the Constitution official