The Regan Ruth Essay, Research Paper

The American Revolution, arguably the most significant era in United States

history, is what is mainly responsible in shaping our country into what the strong nation it

is today. During this period of time, there were many conflicting views on the

philosophies and the visions of Americas future. Individuals such as George Washington,

James Madison, and Alexander Hamilton were the men that led the supporters of a

stronger national government, otherwise known as federalists. The federalists were strong

supporters of the constitution. On the contrary end, their opponents were labeled

Anti-Federalists. These individuals argued that a the ratification of the constitution would

endanger the rights of states.

The federalists vision of America began with their values for America. There

values included many elements such as a belief that there it was necessary to have a

division of power between the national government, and the state government, Justice for

all, as well as the welfare for all citizens were also prime examples of the believes of these

men. The federalists felt very passionate in what they believed in. In one instance, John

Jay, an strong supporter of the constitution wrote 85 letters that were printing in local

newspapers supporting the constitution. These papers became known as The Federalist

Papers. The federalists believed that the country was in bad shape without one of their

main values, unity, and they wanted to obtain that unity through a national set of laws.

Federalists believed that the national government under the Articles was too weak. The

federalists had a vison of an expanding commercial republic, and having America as one of

the strongest most powerful countries in the world. They believed that the ratification of

the constitution would be in the best interest for the future of America.

The inverse side of things was a much different story. Although with most

anti-federalists there was no doubting that the Articles had to be revised, they strongly

opposed the constitution, claiming that it would destroy the individual freedoms and the

rights of states. Another reason the anti-federalists felt negatively of the constitution is

because of it’s lack of a Bill of Rights. Strong supporters of the anti-federalist movement

included Patrick Henry, Samuel Adams, and George Mason.

The turning point in Americas history free will may have came from the articles

printed in The Federalist Papers. Although both perspectives on the issue were strongly

supported, it was clear that the federalist were more organized in their arguments. The

literature in The Federalist Papers and the promise of a bill of rights led to the ratification

of the Constitution in 1788, much to the federalists’ delight. rxcv