Federalist vs. Antifederalists
Who were the Federalists?
The Federalists were a political group in the late 18th century that advocated for a strong national government and supported the ratification of the U.S. Constitution.
What is the two-term limit?
George Washington set this precedent by stepping down after two terms in office, establishing a norm for presidential service.
What is Common Sense?
This pamphlet, published in 1776, argued for American independence from Britain and became a bestseller.
What is Congress?
The Articles of Confederation gave this body the power to regulate trade between states, but it could not enforce its decisions.
What is the cotton gin?
This invention, created by Eli Whitney in 1793, revolutionized cotton production by making it easier to separate cotton fibers from seeds.
Who are the Anti-Federalists?
These individuals argued that the U.S. Constitution needed a Bill of Rights to protect individual liberties.
What is the presidential cabinet?
Washington’s decision to create this group of advisers became a lasting precedent for presidential cabinets.
What is a monarchy?
In Common Sense, Paine famously argued that this type of government was unnatural and oppressive, advocating for a republic instead.
What is federalism?
The Constitution created this system, allowing both the national government and state governments to share powers.
What is enslaved labor?
The rise in cotton production, particularly in the South, led to a dramatic increase in the demand for this labor force, which was largely enslaved.
What are the Federalist Papers?
These essays were written to persuade the public to support the U.S. Constitution and the creation of a stronger central government.
What is the First Bank of the United States?
Washington’s decision to create this in 1790 established a precedent for managing national finances.
Who is King George III?
Paine criticized this British king, calling him a "tyrant" in Common Sense, helping to rally Americans against British rule.
What is the presidency?
The Constitution established this important role for the executive branch, which was weak or nonexistent under the Articles of Confederation.
What is Great Britain?
Cotton from the South was largely exported to this country, which was a major consumer of raw cotton for its textile industry.
What is the Bill of Rights?
This compromise between the Federalists and Anti-Federalists resulted in the addition of ten amendments to the Constitution, securing protections for individual rights.
What is the war between France and Great Britain?
In 1793, Washington set a precedent with his decision to remain neutral in this international conflict, shaping U.S. foreign policy for years.
What is a republic?
Paine argued that American independence would allow the colonies to form this type of government, where power rests with the people.
What is the system of checks and balances?
The Constitution introduced this system to prevent any one branch of government from becoming too powerful, a reform not present under the Articles.
What is the Trail of Tears?
The expansion of cotton farming in the South in the early 1800s led to the forced relocation of Native American tribes, a process known as this.
What is the U.S. Constitution?
The Federalists believed the Articles of Confederation were too weak to govern the nation and needed to be replaced with this document.
What is the Farewell Address?
George Washington established this form of speech, where he formally addressed the nation at the end of his presidency, offering advice and warnings to the country.
What is the Declaration of Independence?
Paine’s pamphlet had a significant influence on this historic document, which was drafted shortly after its publication.
What is the lack of a strong central government?
This was the primary weakness of the Articles of Confederation, which prevented the national government from enforcing laws effectively.
What is the Civil War?
The South’s reliance on cotton production and slavery contributed to tensions between the North and South, ultimately leading to this war.