Federalists vs. Antifederalists

Federalists Supported the Constitution Supported strong National Government Leaders: George Washington James Madison Alexander Hamilton Wrote the Federalist Papers to show why the Const. needed to be approved (ratified) Feared the power of the people

Anti-Federalists Opposed the Constitution Supported states rights Leaders: Patrick Henry Saw the constitution as a betrayal of the Revolution “Had American patriots fought and died to create yet another government to tax them and tell them what to do?” Feared the power of the government Feared for individual liberties http://staff.gps.edu/mines/APUSH%20-antifederalists_vs_federalists.htm

“Extend the sphere [that is, enlarge the territory of the nation] and you take in a greater variety of parties and interests; you make it less probable that a majority of whole will have a common motive to invade the rights of other citizens; or if such a common motive exists, it will be more difficult for all who feel it to discover their own strength and to act in unison with each other.” - The Federalist, No. 10 Summarize Me! What do I say?

“A general government, however guarded by declarations of rights, … must unavoidably, in a short time, be productive of the destruction of the civil liberty of such citizens who could be effectively coerced [dominated] by it.” - Letter from Robert Yates and John Lansing to the Governor of New York, 1787 Summarize Me! What do I say?

Because they promised to add a Who won? The Federalists!! Because they promised to add a ___________ to the Constitution, that way their _________________ would be protected from a centralized government. Bill of Rights individual liberties

Constitution SparkNotes Preamble: We the people… establish this Constitution to Establish _________________________ Ensure domestic ___________________________________ Provide for the common _______________________ Promote the general _______________________ Secure the blessings of _________________________ Justice Tranquility Defense Welfare Liberty

House of Representatives Articles Article I: Legislative Branch makes laws that are “necessary and proper” Members Checks: Power to impeach a President or Supreme Court Justice Article II: Executive Branch  enforces the laws as the Commander in Chief Elected by the Checks: Power to veto Congress’ law and nominate Supreme Court Justices President Congress House of Representatives Electoral College 435 Senate 100

Articles States Rights Article III: Judiciary Branch  : Decide cases involving Constitution, federal laws, treaties, ambassadors, or interstate trade No requirements! Nominated by Pres, approved by Congress Checks: Power to declare Congressional laws or Presidential actions unconstitutional Article IV - -Each state must respect the laws of its neighbors Article V – (changes) may be made to this document by Congress or State legislatures Supreme Court Amendments

Checks and Balances System in which each branch of government has the power to monitor and limit the actions of the other 2.