The Federalist Debate

Lesson Duration

From iCivics

After a brief reading, students are provided with Federalist/ Anti-Federalist arguments arranged in a well-organized table (big names and supporters, Who should rule? Which plan is best? What about my rights? What about the states? Power Tripping, Role of the Courts).

Next, students are provided with statements and they need to determine whether it is a Federalist or Anti-Federalist argument (formative assessment/ review).

Finally, students analyze primary source excerpts and answer questions, citing evidence from the texts.

Students will be able to:

  •   Identify the arguments used by the Federalists and Anti-Federalists during the ratification debate
  •   Analyze excerpts from the Federalist Papers (#84) and Anti-Federalist Papers (#46)
  •   Describe the importance of the Bill of Rights in the ratification debate

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