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Home , Melancton Smith, The Federalist Papers, William Grayson

The (and Antifederalist) Review Guide

The Federalist Papers were authored by Alexander , , and in the fall/winter of 1787-1788. believed in a strong central government and used the press to encourage ratification of the newly proposed Constitution through a series of “letters to the people” espousing (supporting) the virtues and protections the new document would give the people as well as solve many of the problems of the Articles of Confederation. The letters were signed “Publius” which is Greek for “public.” Several of the papers are notable for their specific arguments on the importance of the newly created Constitution principles such as , checks & balances, , and separation of powers.

The Antifederalist Papers were written as a result of huge debate against ratifying the Constitution. Theses arguments appeared in various forms and by various authors. The authors used (fake names). While the authors of the Antifederalist Papers are not provided in any particular list, the major authors include Cato (likely George Clinton), Brutus (likely Robert Yates), Centinel (Samuel Bryan), and the Federal Farmer (either Melancton Smith, , or Mercy Otis Warren). Other pseudonyms/authors include An Old Whig, Aristocrotis, Leonidas, Agrippa (John Winthrop), Candidus, A Customer, William Penn, Philadelphiensis, Richard Henry Lee, William Grayson and more. ’s speeches may also be considered as “Antifederalist” work. These papers contained warnings of dangers from tyranny that weaknesses in the proposed Constitution did not adequate protect against. Some of these dangers were corrected with the adoption of the Bill of Rights. Some of the dangers remained; some disappeared as time went by. Overall, the Antifederalists were extremely concerned about having a strong central government, as they feared it would mean less power to the states and people and that tyranny would eventually reign (again).

There’s not an even match of each Federalist Paper with an Antifederalist Paper per se. The following pages provide a table and a quick list of the descriptions of the main Federalist Papers and the Antifederalist Papers that provide argument. The table shows a list of the main Federalist Papers and the Antifederalist Paper(s) that provide(s) the counter-argument. (Note: In the case of Antifederalist #1, no Federalist Paper info is provided. In the case of Antifederalist Paper #84 regarding the lack of bill of rights in the Federalist position rather than paper number is provided.) The list provides a snapshot, or a general summary/overview, of the main Federalist Papers’ topics/content. Federalist Paper Number & Theme Antifederalist Paper Number; Counter- Argument Antifederalist 1 Outlines what the Federalists are proposing; Explains dangers of how Constitution is written (at the beginning); Encourages not to ratify; Wants major change before considering ratification... Like a Bill of Rights added! Federalist 10 (Continuation of Federalist Antifederalist 37 9) Factions; Democratic principles vs. Pure Democracy principles Federalist 39 (Federalism; Setting up a Antifederalist 2, 14, 17, 55, 56, 57, 58 republic) Federalist 44 (Necessary & Proper Antifederalist 17 Clause; Limits on States rights) Federalist 51 (Federalism; Separation of Antifederalist 46, 47, 48, 51 Powers; Checks & Balances Federalist 70 (Set Up/Nature of the Antifederalist 67, 68, 69, 70, 71, 72, 73, Executive Branch) 74, 75, 76, 77 Federalist 78 (Judicial Review; Judicial Antifederalist 22 independence; Judicial Branch) Federalist don’t see that it’s necessary... Antifederalist 84 They think they’ve written the document Talks about the lack of bill of rights and to prevent tyranny. Eventually, it’s agreed that it is needed. that the Bill of Rights will be passed (first 10 Amendments) in exchange for support of ratification of the Constitution. Here is a quick summary/description - a snapshot - of the main Federalist Papers: Federalist 10 Hamilton says that factions are the real cause of differences in our government and possibly its ineffectiveness buy they are nearly impossible to avoid in free, liberty-loving society UNLESS we create a situation where all can own property, pay similar taxes, have equality of opportunity and be part of the democratic, republican process. We cannot control the causes for factions but we can control its effects. Also mentioned is the difference between true democracy and a republic so that the public clearly understands that a republic is being proposed. They continue on that the size, or “sphere” of the country is a benefit, not a hindrance, to our new government as that will allow lots and lots off factions and not just a few, specific parties.

Federalist 39 The issue of federalism is covered by Madison where he says that the federal government will only be able to act directly on the citizens in federal matters. The states will have the bulk of power in this new, untried idea for government.

Federalist 44 The necessary and proper clause is addressed by Madison. The framers chose this clause from four possible options that would give Congress complete means to do their job.

Federalist 51 “If me were angels, no government would be necessary.” “Ambition must be made to counteract ambition.” “... the necessity of auxillary precautions.” The focus on Madison’s message is that federalism, separation of powers, and checks and balances wil protect the people from abuses of government power. Also, that minority interests will also be protected because of our republican system with directly elected House members and state-appointed Senators; large and small states equally represented too.

Federalist 70 argues for a strong executive leader and asserts, “energy in the executive is the leading character in the definition of good government. It is essential to the protection of property... to justice; [and] to the security of liberty...” Hamilton defended a single executive to overcome the possibility of differing opinion and dissension, especially during a time when a decision needs to be made relatively quickly. He believed that arguments between multiple heads would lessen respectability and weaken the executives’ . He also argued that a single executive would be watched “more narrowly” and vigilantly by the people than a group of people would be. Federalist 78 Hamilton outlines the principal of judicial reivew for the only court mentioned in the Constitution, the Supreme Court. Judicial salary, lifetime tenure “on good behavior” and judicial independence are also addressed. The judicial branch has “neither force nor will, but merely judgement.” Nor do they have influence over “sword or purse” which, in Hamilton’s opinion, will make the judicial branch the least dangerous.

HELPFUL NOTES: FEDERALISTS ANTIFEDERALISTS

Supported the Constitution Did not support the Constitution

Wanted a strong central Fear that States would not have enough power government

Writers: Writers: (No one is certain, but they are believed to be written by John Jay, Alexander Hamilton, these people) James Madison (AKA Publis) Samuel Bryan or a combination of Bryan and (AKA: Centinel)

Richard Henry Lee (AKA: Federal Farmer)

Robert Yates (AKA: Brutus) “John DeWitt” (Author’s real name is unknown.) George Clinton (AKA: Cato) Samuel Bryant (AKA: Pennsylvania Minority) In addition, there were essays written by several different (unknown) men signed, "A Farmer," "Observer," "A Philanthropist," "Montezuma," "A Federal Republican," and others. Patrick Henry and Melancton Smith also gave public speeches denouncing Federalism.

BIG THEME FOR ANTIFEDERALIST: Antifederalist #1 - Need for a bill of rights

Helpful Links: For Federalist Papers: http://www.constitution.org/fed/federa00.htm

For Antifederalist Papers: http://www.anamericanvision.com/freedom_documents/anti_federalist_papers/

Videos about the Federalist, Antifederalists, and their papers: Ratification: Struggle for the Constitution (1:33) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gl7X96B90ek

The Battle for the Ratification of the Constitution - National History Day 2011(9:56) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mO-Ui50mlqA

The Constitution Ratification Debate by Lucy Wynn (5:22) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dAB3vAoilhw