The Federalists, led by figures like James Madison, Alexander Hamilton, and John Jay, supported a stronger central government and ratifying the Constitution as written. The Anti-Federalists, including Thomas Jefferson and George Mason, represented farmers and lower classes who wanted more state power and opposed the Constitution without added protections for individual rights like a Bill of Rights. The two sides debated the appropriate balance of federal versus state power.

1. The Federalists
vs.
The Anti-Federalists

2. The Federalists
•
James Madison, John Jay, Alexander Hamilton
•
Wealthier merchants bankers, lawyers, manufacturers, plantation owners.
•
Wanted more power at the federal level than the states
•
The Constitution was set up to protect rights of the people and the people
should NOT worry.
•
Supported a National Bank to help build the economy
•
Liked a STRONG Central (federal, national) Government that would united
the States
•
Thought there was no need for a Bill of Rights
•
Supported the Constitution the way it was written
• Leaders wrote “The Federalists’ Papers” to Explain the Constitution.

3. The Anti-Federalists
• Patrick Henry, George Mason, Thomas Jefferson
• Farmers, tradesmen, lower classes
• More power at the state level and not the Federal
level
– Thought the President would act like a King
• States would be better at protecting the rights of the
people.
• Opposed a National Bank – Too much power
• If central government was too strong, it would over
power states
• WHERE ARE THE RIGHTS OF THE PEOPLE?!
– Wanted a Bill of Rights added to the Constitution
• Did not support the Constitution the way it was written