1. Federalists vs Anti-Federalists

2. When crafting the new Constitution that would replace the Articles of Confederation, the Framers had to answer an important question: What type of government would be strong enough to enforce order, but not so strong that it would violate the personal liberties of American citizens? Federalists and Anti-Federalists wrote several essays on the matter, each group advocating for a different structure of government.

3. Key Terms and Documents
Articles of Confederation- The first government system of the United States, which lasted from 1776 until The Articles placed most power in the hands of state governments. Government under the Articles lacked an executive or a judicial branch.

4. Confederation Congress- The central government under the Articles of Confederation, composed of delegates chosen by state governments. Each state had one vote in the Congress, regardless of its population. The Congress had difficulty legislating as the Articles required nine of the thirteen states to vote to approve any measure, and a unanimous vote in order to amend the Articles themselves.

5. Federalist No. 10 — An essay written by James Madison, in which he argues that a strong central government will control the effects of factions. Part of 85 essays written known as the Federalist Papers. Brutus No. 1 — An Anti-Federalist essay that argued against a strong central government, based on the belief that it would not be able to meet the needs of all US citizens.

6. Where to go next?
The Articles of Confederation had several weaknesses that made governing difficult. These weaknesses caused delegates to meet in Philly to discuss replacing the AofC with a different Constitution that created a stronger central government. Anti-Federalists, or people who were against ratifying the this new Constitution, feared that a strong central government would lead to tyranny and not reflect people’s needs. The debate between Federalists and Anti-Federalists led to several compromises that created a blueprint for a limited government, in which the Constitution limits the power of the federal government.

7. The debate begins
Who has the power: states or the federal government? Federalist No. 10 and Brutus No. 1 show how Federalists and Anti-Federalists had different opinions on how strong the federal government should be.

8. By Friday/Monday
Read Federalist No.10 excerpts and answer the questions over each part. This is one of the required foundational documents for this course. You will need to make sure you understand what Madison is trying to say in this essay, the highlights and what he is wanting the American people to get from this writing. Besides answering the questions, highlight any terms you are unsure of, and key points you believe are important and can bring to the discussion on Friday/Monday.
Go to the blog and look at the reading and video clip on Brutus No. 1. This too is another required foundational document for this course. As you watch the video and complete the reading, take notes of what Brutus is saying in this writing, highlights and what Americans should get from this writing. For the discussion on Friday/Monday, be able to discuss Brutus No.1 and the 4 questions stated.