social studies

The Federalist Debate Name:

_____________________________

After listing the numerous powers granted to Congress by the Constitution the author says:

My object is to consider that undefined, unbounded

and immense power which is comprised in the

following clause: “And to make all laws which shall be

necessary and proper for carrying into execution the

foregoing powers, and all other powers vested by this

constitution in the government of the United States; or

in any department or offices thereof.” Under such a

clause as this, can anything be said to be reserved and

kept back from Congress? ...

In giving such immense, such unlimited powers, was

there no necessity of a Bill of Rights, to secure to the

people their liberties? Is it not evident that we are left

wholly dependent on the wisdom and virtue of the

men who shall from time to time be the members of

Congress? And who shall be able to say seven years

hence, the members of Congress will be wise and good

men, or of the contrary character?

Digging into the Debate. The back and forth between the Federalists and Anti-Federalists covered many different topics, sometimes covering the same territory more than once. Read through these

excerpts and answer the Text Questions and the Big Question for each.

© 2016 iCivics, Inc. Lesson Activities - Side A

1. Is this author a Federalist or Anti-Federalist? How can you tell? (Use at least two pieces of the text to

help you answer this.)

1. What words does the author use to

describe the powers in the Constitution?

2. Does the Necessary and Proper Clause

quoted in this excerpt comfort or upset

the author? Why?

3. Does the author believe a Bill of Rights is

necessary?

Yes No

4. Does the author trust the future members

of Congress? Why does this matter?

The Federalist Debate

______________________________

The most considerable of the remaining objections is

that the plan of the convention contains no bill of

rights . . . [Bills of rights] have no application to

constitutions professedly founded upon the power of

the people, and executed by their immediate

representatives and servants. Here, in strictness, the

people surrender nothing; and as they retain every

thing they have no need of particular reservations.

“WE, THE PEOPLE of the United States, to secure the

blessings of liberty to ourselves and our posterity, do

ORDAIN and ESTABLISH this Constitution for the

United States of America.” . . .

I go further, and affirm that bills of rights, in the sense

and to the extent in which they are contended for, are

not only unnecessary in the proposed Constitution, but

would even be dangerous. They would contain various

exceptions to powers not granted; and, on this very

account, would afford a colorable pretext to claim

more than were granted. For why declare that things

shall not be done which there is no power to do? Why,

for instance, should it be said that the liberty of the

press shall not be restrained, when no power is given

by which restrictions may be imposed? . . .

© 2016 iCivics, Inc. Lesson Activities - Side B

1. Is this author a Federalist or Anti-Federalist? How can you tell? (Use at least two pieces of the text to

help you answer this.)

1. What words does the author use to

describe “bills of rights”?

2. What part of the Constitution is quoted

in the first paragraph?

3. Does the author believe there is a need

for the addition of a bill of rights to the

Constitution?

Yes No

4. Summarize two points of the author’s

argument in your own words.

Name:

The Federalist Debate

© 2016 iCivics, Inc. Primary Source Analysis Template

1. Is this author a Federalist or Anti-Federalist? How can you tell? (Use at least two pieces of the text to

help you answer this.)

1. What major principles of government are discussed? Circle all that apply.

2. Summarize two main points of the author’s argument in your own words.

3. How might people who disagree with the message in this reading respond? (Look back to the lesson for ideas.)

1. Title of text: ____________________________________________________________________

2. Who do historians believe authored this text? _________________________________________

3. When and where was it published? __________________________________________________

4. Are you reading the whole thing, or a part? ____________________________________________