Essential Question: Compare and contrast the Federalists and Anti-Federalists.
Instructions: Students will compare and contrast the arguments made by Federalists and
Anti-federalists. Read each document and answer the 2 questions after each document. Each
document question is worth 2 points. Then pick one of the compare and contrast options to respond to.
You must describe each author’s argument to your chosen topic, and their similarities or differences.
the Compare and Contrast response is worth 6 points. Finally, students will offer a compromise between
the two authors by answering the summary question in a short paragraph. the summary question is
worth 6 points.
Background
After the American colonies declared their independence they adopted a constitution. It was called the
Articles of Confederation. The federal government it established was not very powerful. In 1787,
delegates from 12 states met to discuss changing the Articles to make the federal government
stronger. When their meeting ended, they had written an entirely new constitution. If the new
“Constitution” was ratified by 9 states, it would replace the Articles. Some supporters of the new
Constitution wrote editorials under the name “Publius,” while opponents often wrote editorials under
the name “Brutus.” As you read, look for the arguments for or against the ratification of the new
Constitution.
Document 1: Ratify the New Constitution by “Publius,” 1788 (4 points)
The Articles of Confederation do not give the federal government enough power. For example, it
requires the federal government to raise money by asking the states for it. Consequently the federal
government has no money. Foreign nations know this, so they do not take us seriously. The British
refuse to abandon forts on our land. The Spanish refuse to let us navigate the Mississippi River. The new
Constitution is better because it gives the federal government the power to tax.
Under the Articles, the states can regulate trade. Many states tax each other’s products. This makes
America seem like 13 separate nations. The free flow of goods from one state to another is necessary for
America to prosper. The new Constitution fixes this by forbidding states to tax imports and giving the
federal government the sole power to regulate trade that crosses state lines.
Some suggest that the federal government will abuse these new powers to tax and regulate trade. But
the Constitution has more checks on the federal government’s power than the Articles does. Under the
Constitution, there are periodic elections of the legislature and the executive. In fact, the people
themselves elect the President and the House of Representatives. Under the Articles, however, the
people do not elect any members of the federal government.
In addition, the Constitution balances the powers of the legislative, judicial and executive branches. For
example, the executive can veto the legislature’s bills and the judiciary can interpret federal laws. Under
the Articles, the legislative branch is all-powerful.
Some say the lack of a Bill of Rights in the Constitution is a weakness. But, it is not necessary. The
Constitution lists the powers of the federal government, which means it does not have the power to do
anything not on that list. Since the federal government is not granted the power to take away freedom
of the press or trial by jury, then it is not allowed to do so.
But, the best feature of the new Constitution is how easily it can be changed. Those who oppose specific
parts or think a Bill of Rights should be added should still support the Constitution. After it is ratified,
they can offer amendments to fix what they consider weaknesses. We must ratify it now.
Question 1. According to Publius, what are two examples of foreign nations not taking the U.S.
seriously?
Question 2. According to Publius, what are two ways the Constitution places checks on the power of
the federal government?
Document 2: Reject the New Constitution by “Brutus,” 1787 (4 points)
The Articles of Confederation has its flaws. But, those who support this new Constitution are proposing
a cure that is worse than the disease. The new Constitution would give the federal government too
much power.
Consider the power to tax. Under the Articles, the federal government must ask state governments for
money. It is true that this flaw that should be fixed.
But the new Constitution gives the federal government the power to impose any taxes it wants on all
individuals within all states. State governments know best which taxes are the most appropriate for
their states. In some states that may be a property tax, while in others it may be a sales tax.
