Foundations 06 template

Federalists were a group of people who supported the ratification of the Constitution and a strong national government.

Anti-federalists were a group of people who opposed the ratification of the Constitution. They argued over the structure of the Constitution during the Constitutional Convention and in the months that followed.

The Federalists believed in a strong, central government. They supported the Constitution as written and argued for immediate ratification. This group was large and powerful. It included people like George Washington and John Adams, who became the first two U.S. presidents.

On the other hand, the Anti-Federalists thought the new government was too strong. They wanted to see a Bill of Rights added to the Constitution to protect state governments' power and the people's rights. Anti-Federalists wanted to wait for ratification until a Bill of Rights was complete. Anti-Federalists included Patrick Henry and George Mason.

DIRECTIONS:

This template will help you write a speech about ratifying the Constitution. Remember to include lines that explain checks and balances, as well as the viewpoints of the Federalists and Anti-Federalists.

TURN THIS INTO YOUR TEACHER ONCE YOU HAVE FILLED IT OUT!

Speech Title: Balancing Power in the Constitution

Your Name:

Date:

1. 
   First paragraph: Do you agree with the Federalists or Antifederalist? Why? EXPLAIN IN 4-5 sentences.
   

2. 
   Second paragraph: What is the system of checks and balances. Use facts to back up your idea. EXPLAIN IN 3-5 sentences.
   

3. 
   Third paragraph: Discuss the position of the Federalists on ratifying the Constitution. 3-4 Sentences.
   

4. 
   Fourth paragraph: Discuss the position of the Anti-Federalists on ratifying the Constitution. 3-4 Sentences.
   

5. 
   Sum it up: What do you recommend? Should we follow the Federalists or the Anti-Federalists? EXPLAIN in 2-3 sentences.