The Constitution, drafted at the Constitutional Convention of 1787, needed to be ratified by nine or more state conventions (and by all states that wanted to take part in the new government). A clash erupted over ratification, with the Anti-Federalists opposing the creation of a strong national government and rejecting ratification and the Federalists advocating a strong union and adoption of the Constitution.

The Anti-Federalists included small farmers and landowners, shopkeepers, and laborers. When it came to national politics, they favored strong state governments, a weak central government, the direct election of government officials, short-term limits for officeholders, accountability by officeholders to popular majorities, and the strengthening of individual liberties. In terms of foreign affairs, they were pro-French.

To combat the Federalist campaign, the Anti-Federalists also published a series of articles and delivered numerous speeches against ratification of the Constitution.

Questions

How (or in what ways) does the Constitution reflect a compromise between the Federalists as well as the Anti-Federalists? (i.e., How does the Constitution reflect the willingness of the Federalists to address the concerns of the Anti-federalist?)

Firstly, why did we need a new constitution?

What were the concerns of the Anti-Federalists?

What were the concerns of the Federalists?

Further, what plans were involved in this compromise?

Which part of the Constitution reflects the interests of the Federalists/Anti-Federalists? (Be Specific)

Additionally, what are the core principles of the Constitution?

How does the US Constitution differ from the Articles of Confederation?

Furthermore, how does the debate between the Federalists and Anti-Federalists portend the nature of US federalism and federal-state relations?

Why has the Constitution endured for over 200 years? (Please use the textbook and lecture notes in Canvas).

Do you think the Constitution needs to be amended? Why or why not? (Cite an example and find a current event to support your answer –either way, you should support your argument with the current event). CITE CURRENT EVENT IN YOUR CONCLUSION. Make sure the current event is from a reputable news source. It should be within the last year or so.