Federalists vs. Anti-Federalists and Ratification

Vocabulary practice flashcards covering the key concepts, leaders, positions, and ratification details of the Federalists and Anti-Federalists.

Federalists

Supporters of the proposed Constitution who believed it would protect citizens' liberties; a more accurate name for them would actually be nationalists.

Anti-Federalists

Opponents of the ratification of the Constitution who feared it would lead to tyranny and corruption due to the lack of a Bill of Rights.

Federalist Leaders

Key figures who advocated for the ratification of the Constitution, specifically Hamilton, Jay, and Madison.

Anti-Federalist Leaders

Key figures who opposed the ratification of the Constitution, specifically George Mason, Patrick Henry, and Samuel Adams.

Federalist Views on Central Government

The stance that the Federal Government should have more power than state governments and that a stronger nation was needed to help fight Native Americans and the British.

Anti-Federalist Views on Central Government

The stance opposing a strong central government, holding that state governments should work together as the government and that the Articles of Confederation should be corrected rather than fully dismissed.

Federalist Views on the Bill of Rights

The belief that adding a Bill of Rights to the proposed Constitution was not necessary.

Anti-Federalist Views on the Bill of Rights

The belief that a Bill of Rights was necessary to prevent corruption, tyranny, and the infringement of rights gained from the Revolution.

Federalist Views on Nation Size

The belief that a large nation was necessary in order to protect liberty.

Anti-Federalist Views on Nation Size

The belief in a small nation or small republic in order to equally represent citizens.

Federalist Supporters

A social group consisting mostly of educated and richer men, rich farmers, and merchants.

Anti-Federalist Supporters

A diverse group composed of small farmers from rural areas, referred to as common men.

Advantages of the Federalists

Political strengths including experienced lawyers and politicians, well-known figures like George Washington, strong organization and funding, and the use of newspapers.

Federalist Papers

A collection of essays written by James Madison, Alexander Hamilton, and John Jay, published in New York to address the failures of the Articles of Confederation and explain the Constitution.

First Five Ratifying States

The initial group of states that accepted the Constitution: Delaware, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Georgia, and Connecticut.

John Hancock Compromise

The strategy used to persuade Massachusetts' Anti-Federalist Governor John Hancock to support ratification by offering him the Vice Presidency and a Bill of Rights.

Ninth State to Ratify

New Hampshire, which served as the 9th state to ratify the Constitution, making it the law of the land.

Key Ratification States

Virginia and New York, essential states that were still needed after the ninth state ratified and which narrowly decided to approve the Constitution.