federalist vs. anti-Federalist

Essay by rosesadCollege, UndergraduateB+, November 2014

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Rosina Christian September 28, 2014

Professor: McFall

POL 204

The Ant-Federalist and the Federalist have had debates during the ratification of the Constitution. These debates have shaped are Constitutional rights. These Federalist and the Anti-Federalist have argued on each side claiming that they "won" their debate. The Anti-Federalist believed in making a Constitution that people can see what there rights were. The Federalist supported National government within the constitution. The Anti-Federalist opposed a strong government. Although these parties differed, the one thing they had in common, was the interest of the people. They wanted to preserve the liberty and Independence.

The Federalist was the property owners, creditors and merchants. The leaders were Alexander Hamilton, John Jay and James Madison. The Federalist were also considered the elite, and because of that they thought they would be the best to govern. They were in favor of the government. The Federalist also believed in "Popular Sovereignty," which was how they feared a democracy was too much and would lead to an election of the wrong officials.

They wanted them to elect the wisest people for office. They also believed in "Federal Power," which meant the government being in power would hold the Nation together. The issue of "State Power," was that they believed the Sates were the lower rank to the Federal government. Also, the Bill of Rights wasn't considered important because the government already had Bills.

The Federalist believed they had won the debate because they were the "elite." The checks and balances system was strong on their side. James Madison came back to argue that "Anti-Federalist criticisms with a reminder that the different departments of government must be able to check one another, especially the legislature, which, in a republic, tends to draw "all power into it's impetuous...