Question

In three to five sentences, explain the differences between the Federalists and the Anti-Federalists and how they compromised to ratify the Constitution.(4 points)

Answer 1

Federalists supported the new Constitution because they wanted a stronger national government to provide order, manage commerce, and defend the nation, while Anti-Federalists feared a powerful central government would threaten individual liberties and favored stronger state governments. Federalists argued the Constitution’s separation of powers and checks and balances would prevent tyranny; Anti-Federalists demanded explicit protections for individual rights. They compromised when Federalists promised to add a Bill of Rights; several states ratified the Constitution with calls for amendments. The Constitution was thus ratified, and the first ten amendments (the Bill of Rights) were adopted in 1791.