Federalists vs. Anti-Federalists Overview

What were the key beliefs of the Federalists?

• Federalists believed in a strong central government and supported the ratification of the Constitution.

• Federalists believed in a weak central government and opposed the ratification of the Constitution.

• Federalists supported states' rights over federal authority and wanted a loose interpretation of the Constitution.

• Federalists believed in direct democracy and wanted to abolish the presidency.

What were the justifications for the beliefs of the Federalists?

What were the regions of support for the Federalists?

• Federalists were mainly supported in urban areas and along the Atlantic coast.

• Federalists were mainly supported in the rural South and West.

• Federalists were mainly supported in the Appalachian Mountains region.

• Federalists were mainly supported in the Great Plains and Midwest.

Who were important leaders of the Federalists?

Did the Federalists have any foreign support? If so, from whom?

• Federalists had some support from British merchants and those who favored strong trade relations with Britain.

• Federalists were primarily supported by French revolutionaries seeking to spread their ideals.

• Federalists received backing from Spanish colonial authorities in the Americas.

• Federalists were supported by Russian diplomats interested in North American affairs.

What were the key beliefs of the Anti-Federalists?

• Anti-Federalists believed in strong state governments and opposed the ratification of the Constitution without a Bill of Rights.

• Anti-Federalists supported a strong central government and wanted to eliminate state governments.

• Anti-Federalists believed the Constitution should be ratified without any amendments or changes.

• Anti-Federalists wanted to replace the Articles of Confederation with a monarchy.

What were the justifications for the beliefs of the Anti-Federalists?

• Anti-Federalists justified their beliefs by arguing that a strong central government would threaten individual liberties and state sovereignty.

• Anti-Federalists believed that a strong central government would promote economic growth and national unity.

• Anti-Federalists argued that a strong central government was necessary to maintain law and order.

• Anti-Federalists supported a strong executive branch to ensure effective governance.

What were the regions of support for the Anti-Federalists?

• Anti-Federalists were mainly supported in rural areas and the interior regions.

• Anti-Federalists were mainly supported in large urban cities along the coast.

• Anti-Federalists were mainly supported in the wealthy merchant districts.

• Anti-Federalists were mainly supported in the Southern port cities.

Who were important leaders of the Anti-Federalists?

Did the Anti-Federalists have any foreign support? If so, from whom?