Existing comment:
The Federalists
The ratification debate in Virginia revealed different visions about how powerful the federal government should be. George Washington and John Marshall had seen on the battlefield the need for a strong national -- or federal -- government. Wealthy northern bankers and businessmen agreed. Supporters were called "Federalists."
The Antifederalists
Those in opposition to a strong federal government were labeled "Antifederalists." They were led by Patrick Henry, George Mason, and James Monroe. They called for a bill of rights to protect the people from a constitution that delegated power to a president -- who might become king -- and to a federal court system that could dictate to the states. Thomas Jefferson championed the movement to return authority to the states. |