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Federalists vs. Anti-Federalists
An anti-fedralist is someone who opposes the ratification of the constitution.
Thomas Jefferson (Anti-federalist)
A federalist is someone who supports the ratification of the constitution.
John Adams (Federalist)
The anti-federalists developed their argument when the constitution was completed and many delegates were unhappy with the outcome. They did not want to support it.
The federalists developed their views when the constitution was completed and they were satisfied with it. They supported its ratification.
Federalists favored a central government. They believed the wealthy and educated should lead the country and industry was favored over agriculture.
Anti-federalists favored state governments, more like a confedration. They favored more state power and less power in the Executive Branch.
The anti-federalists argued that there was no Bill of Rights, the national government had power at the expense of state governments, and they worried the national government would take their rights away that they fought hard to get.
The federalists argued that the Constitution was a necessary improvement on the Articles of Confederation, and that having a central government would unite the colonies as one nation.
This argument had a major impact on American politics. From this, we have the Bill of Rights, a statement of fundamental rights and privileges. Today, we could consider Federalists as Republicans and Anti-Federalists would be considered Democrats.
