The Ratification Debates and the New Constitution

While the Constitution was in the process of being ratified (officially approved), which 2 divisions/sides were there?

This was centered around the whole debate of the proper role/job of the new national government.

(2 answers)

HINT: ** The first two "political parties" in the United States **

• Federalists

• Democrats

• Anti-Federalists

• Republicans

A. Were in favor of (FOR) the new Constitution

• Federalists

• Anti-Federalists

• Both

B. Wanted a national government (of some kind)

• Federalists

• Anti-Federalists

• Both

C. Attended the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia (and the various state conventions)

• Federalists

• Anti-Federalists

• Both

D. Were against the new Constitution (until some better changes could be made to the document)

• Federalists

• Anti-Federalists

• Both

E. Wanted a strong national government---- with enough power to do its job effectively!

• Federalists

• Anti-Federalists

• Both

F. Wanted a weaker national government

• Federalists

• Anti-Federalists

• Both

G. Wanted to just simply amend (change) the existing Articles of Confederation. They did not want a whole new Constitution.

• Federalists

• Anti-Federalists

• Both

H. Wanted to replace the Articles of Confederation with a new Constitution

(they thought the Articles of Confederation was too weak)

• Federalists

• Anti-Federalists

• Both

I. Wanted the state governments to have MORE power than the national government

• Federalists

• Anti-Federalists

• Both