Federalists vs. Anti-Federalists
Explore the foundational debates between Federalists and Anti-Federalists regarding the U.S. Constitution and the structure of American government.
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Federalists vs. Anti-Federalists
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Read each question carefully and answer to the best of your ability. This worksheet will assess your understanding of the Federalist and Anti-Federalist viewpoints during the formation of the U.S. Constitution.
1. Which group advocated for a strong central government with broad powers?
Anti-Federalists
Federalists
Republicans
Democrats
2. The primary concern of the Anti-Federalists regarding the Constitution was:
The lack of an executive branch
The absence of a Bill of Rights
Too much power given to individual states
The inclusion of a judicial branch
3. The collection of essays written to persuade New Yorkers to ratify the Constitution is known as The Papers.
4. Anti-Federalists typically favored a more powerful government, believing it would better protect individual liberties.
5. James Madison was a prominent Anti-Federalist.
True
False
6. The Federalists argued that a large republic would prevent any single faction from gaining too much power.
True
False
Match each individual with their likely political alignment.
7. Alexander Hamilton
a. Anti-Federalist
8. Patrick Henry
b. Federalist
9. George Mason
c. Federalist
10. Briefly explain one key argument made by the Federalists in favor of ratifying the Constitution.
11. Briefly explain one key argument made by the Anti-Federalists against ratifying the Constitution.