USG.2.9+Compare+and+contrast+ideas+on+government+of+the+Federalists+and+the+Anti-Federalists+during+their+debates+on+ratification+of+the+U.S.+Constitution+(1787–1788).

=USG.2.9 Compare and contrast ideas on government of the Federalists and the Anti-Federalists during their debates on ratification of the U.S. Constitution (1787–1788). =



**Essential Understandings: See also USI.8**
Shortly after the ratification of the Articles of Confederation, a debate grew regarding the Articles of Confederation. The men of the new nation debated the creation of a new constitution. There were two main opposing views whose dialogue helped shape this. These groups were the "Federalists" and their opponents, who became known as "Anti-Federalists". Here are the general beliefs of both groups:

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//Leaders:// Alexander Hamilton, John Adams
 * Federalists**

1) Believed the Articles of Confederation was for the most part a failure. 2.) Believed a strong central government is necessary for the state to operate efficiently. 3.) Were against the autonomy of states over the central government.

//Leaders:// Patrick Henry, George Mason
 * Anti-Federalists**

1.) Believed the basic principles of the Articles of Confederation was a mostly good plan. 2.) Believed in a central government with limited power. 3.) Supported the autonomy of states over the power of a federal government.

http://staff.gps.edu/mines/APUSH%20-antifederalists_vs_federalists.htm __ http://www.americanforeignrelations.com/Am-Ar/Anti-Federalists.html __ __ http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_Federalist_Party __