Federalists and Antifederalists
.pdf
School
Dwight Morrow High**We aren't endorsed by this school
Course
APUSH 202
Subject
Political Science
Date
Jan 3, 2025
Pages
3
Uploaded by ElderReindeer4838
Document A: Anti-Federalist Position (Modified) Melancton Smith, June 21, 1788 Representatives should be a true picture of the people. They should understand their circumstances and their troubles. Therefore, the number of representatives should be so large that both rich and poor people will choose to be representatives. If the number of representatives is small, the position will be too competitive. Ordinary people will not attempt to run for office. A middle-class yeoman (farmer) will never be chosen. So, the government will fall into the hands of the few and the rich. This will be a government of oppression. The rich consider themselves above the common people, entitled to more respect. They believe they have the right to get anything they want. Document B: Federalist Position (Modified) Alexander Hamilton, June 21, 1788 The Anti-Federalists seem to think that a pure democracy would be the perfect government. Experience has shown that this idea is false. The ancient democracies of Greece were characterized by tyranny and run by mobs. The Anti-Federalists also argue that a large representation is necessary to understand the interests of the people. This is not true. Why can’t someone understand fifty people as well as he understands twenty people? The new constitution does not make a rich man more eligible for an elected office than a poor person. I also think it’s dangerous to assume that men become more wicked as they gain wealth and education. Look at all the people in a community, the rich and the poor, the educated and the ignorant. Which group has higher moral standards? Both groups engage in immoral or wicked behavior. But it would seem to me that the behavior of the wealthy is less wicked and sinful. inquirygroup.org DIGITAL INQUIRY GROUP
Federalist and Anti-federalist Graphic Organizer Name______________ Document A: Anti-Federalists Melancton SmithDocument B: Federalists Alexander Hamilton Is this person happy with how the new Constitution deals with representation? What kind of government would this person like to see?Find a quote to support your claim. Based on this document, what sort of people in society would support this point of view?inquirygroup.org DIGITAL INQUIRY GROUP
FederalistsAnti-Federalists•Alexander Hamilton, James Madison,John Jay– all known as “Publius”(Federalist Papers)•Property owners, landed rich,merchants•Believed in elitism. Saw themselvesand those of their class as most fit togovern.•Powerful central government. 2-house legislature. Representativedemocracy, with single representativesfor 30,000 people.•Thomas Jefferson, “Brutus” and“Cato”•Small farmers, shopkeepers, laborers•Believed in the decency of thecommon man and in participatorydemocracy (closer to directdemocracy). Viewed elites as corrupt.Sought greater protection of individualrights.•Wanted stronger state governmentsat the expense of the federalgovernment. Frequent elections,smaller districts, more directdemocracy.inquirygroup.org DIGITAL INQUIRY GROUP