Federalists and Anti-Federalists

Before the Constitution could become the law of the land, it had to be ratified by special conventions in each of the states. During the debate over ratification, several leading Federalists (Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, and John Jay) published a series of essays under the pseudonym “Publius” urging New York to approve the Constitution, establishing a strong federal government. During the 20th century, these essays came to be known as the Federalist Papers. The Anti-Federalists also used newspaper articles and pamphlets to advocate their position: that individuals need to be careful about the extent to which they cede, or give up, natural rights to their government.

Read these excerpts from articles written during the period of ratification of the Constitution. As you read, highlight key Federalist and Anti-Federalist arguments against and in favor of a bill of rights.

Cartoon showing the "erection of the Eleventh Pillar of the great National Dome"

Part of a series of political cartoons tracking ratification of the Constitution

In these excerpts from Federalist 84, written by “Publius” (Alexander Hamilton) and published in the summer of 1788, Hamilton explains his position on the need, or lack thereof, for a bill of rights. As you read, highlight key arguments Hamilton makes against adding amendments to the Constitution.

This excerpt is from an article by “Brutus” (believed to be a New York delegate), from November 1787. This was from a series published in the New York Journal, addressed to the citizens of the state of New York. As you read, highlight key arguments he makes in favor of a bill of rights.

Excerpts from Federalist 84

Highlight the text that helps you answer the prompt.

Your work is saved automatically, but are you sure you want to exit before you have submitted your work? Are you sure you want to submit? Are you sure you want erase all your highlights?

Excerpts from Antifederalist 84

Highlight the text that helps you answer the prompt.

Your work is saved automatically, but are you sure you want to exit before you have submitted your work? Are you sure you want to submit? Are you sure you want erase all your highlights?

Take Notes

In your own words, summarize the Federalists' (Publius) arguments for why a bill of rights was unnecessary and contrast these to the arguments the Anti-Federalists (Brutus) used to advocate for a bill of rights. According to Brutus, where do individual rights come from?