jan 1, 1788 - Federalists v. Antifederalists

Description:

Two opposed factions.

FEDERALISTS =
- Wrote a collection of essays in support of the new Constitution (Alexander Hamilton, James Madison and John Jay wrote 85 of the essays) to show how the new Constitution would solve many of the problems that existed under the Articles of Confederation.
- Support for the new Constitution came from those whose work and interest were tied to the commercial life of the coutry.
- Strong central government

ANTIFEDERALISTS =
- Patrick Henry, Samuel Adams, John Hancock, Richard Henry Lee, George Mason.
- Those who had few commercial contacts, in particular farmers, tended to oppose the document.
- concentrated too much power in the central government (could ease the way to despotism)
- documents drafted in secred by representatives of a propertied elite.
- states would be reduced to dependent provinces.
- document contained no "Bill of Rights" to protect citiens against tyranny.
- the rights of property and not the rights of MAN were emphasized in the Constitution.
- Opposition to slavery (continue to exist under the new Constitution)

Added to timeline:

Date:

Images: