Federalist/anti-federalist

Felt that a strong government would threaten people's rights

Wanted the Constitution to be presented to special ratifying conventions instead of at state legislatures

Believed in the rule of law

Felt that a Bill of Rights was unecessary because the national government was limited to the powers granted to it in the Constitution.

Believed that the best way to protect people's rights was through a system of representation, separation of powers, and checks and balances

Feared that the new republic would collapse because people were defying authority such as in Shays's Rebellion

Believed in popular sovereignty

Believed in having a strong executive branch

Feared that the president might become like a king

Believed that the representation of different interests in the government will protect the people's basic rights

Felt that a Bill of Rights was necessary to guarantee the liberties of the people.

Believed that a strong national government was necessary to preserve liberties

Feared that the national government would tax people unfairly

Feared having an army during peacetime

Felt that the Constitution was developed in secret meetings and they were not supposed to write a whole new Constitution, but were just supposed to amend it

Favored dividing power between the states and the national government

Felt that a republic was the best form of government

Believed the civic virtue of the people was not sufficient to promote the common good