Federalists vs. Anti-Federalists – Lesson Plan

Student Resources:

• Federalists vs. Anti-Federalists Essay
• Federalist vs. Anti-Federalist Faceoff Handout  

Engage 

• Begin class by asking students about the benefits and drawbacks of a strong central government. Students may say it can effectively protect individual rights, but it may also pose a threat to liberty. Write some student answers on the board. Then tell students, “This challenging question sat at the heart of debate over whether to ratify the Constitution. Today, we will look at why some people—the Federalists—wanted to make a stronger national government with the Constitution, and why some—the Anti-Federalists—were opposed to it.” 

Explore 

• Distribute the Federalists vs. Anti-Federalists Essay
• Have students highlight sentences that showcase the Federalists argument in one color and sentences that showcase the Anti-Federalists argument in another color.

Assess & Reflect

• Once students are finished reading, distribute Federalist vs. Anti-Federalist Faceoff Handout Have students follow the instructions to showcase the Federalist and Anti-Federalist visions for the country. Tell students that they should be sure that their visuals provide an answer to the central question: “What were the key arguments for and against ratification of the Constitution, and how were the debates shaped by constitutional principles?” 

Extend (Optional)

Provide students with a list of key Federalists and Anti-Federalists. Have students research a figure of their choice and then write a short essay on why they supported or opposed the Constitution, and how constitutional principles shaped their beliefs. Below are examples of figures that could be researched. 

• Federalists 
  • Alexander Hamilton 
  • James Madison 
  • John Jay 
• Anti-Federalists 
  • Robert Yates 
  • Patrick Henry 
  • Elbridge Gerry