Ratifying the Constitution: Federalists vs. Anti-Federalists

The 1780s and 1790s were among the most uncertain decades in American history, as citizens differed over whether to ratify the new Constitution, the powers of the federal government, and the rights of citizens. Winning the war against Great Britain and writing a new Constitution by no means assured the continued existence of the new United States. Many difficult issues remained to be debated in the new nation, whose continued survival would not be assured until at least 1800, when power was transferred peacefully from the Federalist administration of President John Adams to the incoming Republican administration of Thomas Jefferson.

When the new Constitution was finished in 1787, it was submitted to the states with the provision that nine of the thirteen states must ratify (formally approve) it in order to make it the law of the land. Some states ratified the Constitution quickly, while others debated it for months. Supporters of ratification called themselves Federalists. Opponents, most of whom thought the Constitution created a too powerful form of government, called themselves Anti-federalists. Federalists were most numerous in New England and near coastal cities and other areas in which commerce was strong. Anti-federalists were strongest in the South and in rural areas. By June 1788, nine states had ratified the Constitution.