Unit 2: Federalists vs. Anti-Federalists and the Bill of Rights

Vocabulary flashcards covering the debate between Federalists and Anti-Federalists, The Federalist Papers, and the first ten amendments of the United States Constitution.

Federalists

Supporters of the Constitution who favored a strong central government and ratification. Key figures included Alexander Hamilton, George Washington, James Madison, and John Jay.

Anti-Federalists

Opponents of the Constitution who feared excessive power in a central government, worried about creating a new monarchy, and demanded a Bill of Rights. Key figures included Thomas Jefferson, Patrick Henry, George Mason, and Richard Henry Lee.

Ratification

To formally approve a legal document or treaty; required approval from 9 of 13 states for the Constitution to take effect.

The Federalist Papers

A series of 85 essays supporting ratification, published anonymously by Alexander Hamilton (51), James Madison (29), and John Jay (5) to persuade the public based on arguments rather than authors' reputations.

Bill of Rights

The first 10 amendments to the U.S. Constitution, ratified in 1791, created in response to Anti-Federalist fears to guarantee personal freedoms, limit government power, and reserve powers to the states or people.

1st Amendment

Guarantees freedom of religion, speech, press, assembly, and the right to petition the government.

2nd Amendment

Guarantees the right to bear arms.

3rd Amendment

Prohibits the quartering of soldiers in private homes without the owner's consent.

4th Amendment

Protects against unreasonable search and seizure, requiring a warrant based on probable cause.

5th Amendment

Protects against self-incrimination ("pleading the fifth") and double jeopardy, while guaranteeing due process and compensation for property taken by the government.

6th Amendment

Guarantees the right to a speedy, public trial by an impartial jury, as well as the right to confront witnesses.

7th Amendment

Guarantees the right to a jury trial in civil cases.

8th Amendment

Protects against excessive bail, excessive fines, and cruel and unusual punishment.

9th Amendment

Establishes that rights not specifically listed in the Constitution are still retained by the people.

10th Amendment

Establishes that powers not granted to the federal government by the Constitution are reserved to the states or the people.

The Six Big Ideas

The foundational principles of the U.S. Constitution: Popular Sovereignty, Republicanism, Limited Government, Federalism, Separation of Powers, and Checks and Balances.