This discussion addresses the following outcomes:
In this political cartoon, "The Looking Glass", you can view the debates in Connecticut over ratification of the US Constitution.
The state is represented by a wagon stuck in a muddy ditch while two factions pull it in opposite directions. On the left are the Federalists (supporters of the Constitution) and on the right, the anti-Federalists, while in between, various characters make obscene gestures to show their opinion.
Before beginning this discussion, make sure to read the Module Notes and Chapter 6: "A New Nation " and Chapter 7: "The Early Republic" in
The American Yawp and the following primary sources: Washington, G. (1786). Letter to Henry Knox on Shays' Rebellion , Butler, P. (1787), Debates Within the Constitutional Convention (1787), Slavery and the Constitution (1787). Madison, J. (1788), Federalist #45 , Hamilton, A. (1788), Federalist #85 , Bryan, S. (October 1787), Centinel I , and Henry, P. (June 1788), Anti-Federalist Speech .
Using the primary and secondary source materials above as evidence, consider the following in a post of at least 250 words:
What were the reasons for the initial reform movement to amend or revise the Articles of Confederation?
From the perspective of 1787-1788, which side do you agree with? Would you have seen the Constitution as a reasonable grant of power, or potentially excessive? Be sure to justify or explain your answer.
Did the divide between Federalists and Republicans in the 1790s reflect the same divisions between the Federalists and anti-Federalists? What new issues contributed to the Federalist/Republican divide?