The ratification debate of 1788 pitted Federalists against Antifederalists over adoption of the proposed Constitution. Through the Eyes of John Patrick Coby "Raising the Eleventh Pillar: This essay will examine the key differences between the Federalist and Antifederalist positions in regard to the 1788 ratification debate and their positions on key issues debated. Federalists backed the proposed Constitution from Alexander Hamilton, James Madison and John Jay. They envisioned a powerful central government which could correct the weaknesses in the Articles of Confederation. Federalist arguments argued for a united nation capable of regulating commerce, maintaining national defense, and ensuring economic prosperity. In the "core texts" section of Coby's work, Federalist perspectives are articulated in …show more content…
In Federalist No. 70, Alexander Hamilton called for a vigorous executive capable of responding promptly to national crises [2]. Federalists also noted the need for a stable economic system for the country's prosperity. In the Federalist Papers, Alexander Hamilton called for a national banking system along with a good government to manage the nation's finances. He argued a national bank would stabilize the economy and spur economic growth [3]. Federalists like John Jay also proposed a strong central government necessary for national security. In Federalist No. 4, Jay described a unified military and the federal government's ability to retaliate against external threats. He warned of disunion and the weakness of a weak central authority [4]. Federalists felt a strong central government would ensure stability and disarm domestic unrest. In Federalist No. 23 Hamilton claimed a weak federal government under the Articles of Confederation had created instability and frequent rebellions like Shays' Rebellion in