amsco 1.3

Bill of Rights

The first ten amendments to the U.S. Constitution, added to protect individual liberties and limit government power—demanded by Anti-Federalists during ratification.

Anti-Federalists

Opponents of the Constitution who feared a strong central government would abuse power and infringe on rights—advocated for the Bill of Rights.

Federalists

Supporters of the Constitution who favored a strong central government to provide stability and unity—defended it in the Federalist Papers.

Brutus No. 1

Anti-Federalist essay warning that a large republic would lead to loss of liberty and that the federal government would overpower the states. Argues that the clashing of factions will harm, not help, the government, and that such conflict will make it harder to serve the public good.

Faction

A group of people with shared interests that could work against the public good—central concern in Federalist No. 10.

Federalist No. 10

Essay by James Madison arguing that a large republic and system of representation can control factions and protect minority rights.

James Madison

“Father of the Constitution,” co-author of the Federalist Papers, and author of Federalist No. 10—advocated for a strong but limited federal government. Argued that clashing factions would make them factions less prominent.