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Quizzes > Society & Culture > Politics & Civics

Are You a Federalist or Anti-Federalist? Take the Quiz!

Test Yourself with This Federalist vs Anti-Federalist Quiz - Dive In Now!

Difficulty: Moderate
2-5mins
Learning OutcomesCheat Sheet
Paper art illustration of stylized Federalist and Anti-Federalist profiles on golden yellow background

Are you ready to uncover your stance in one of America's defining arguments? Our free "are you a federalist or anti federalist quiz" challenges you to pinpoint key framers and sharpen your grasp in this lively US constitutional debate quiz. Dive into thought-provoking scenarios - from Hamilton's push for a strong central government to Jefferson's warnings about concentrated power. Whether you love the head-to-head federalist vs anti-federalist quiz style or want a thorough Federalist Anti-Federalist test, you'll learn to identify Federalist or Anti-Federalist leaders in minutes. Discover where you fit in and explore these historic debates - start now and see which side you champion!

Which individual was a leading Federalist advocating for the ratification of the U.S. Constitution?
Thomas Jefferson
Alexander Hamilton
George Mason
Patrick Henry
Alexander Hamilton was a principal author of the Federalist Papers and one of the most vocal supporters of a strong central government. He led the campaign for ratification in New York and helped shape early federal policies. His advocacy is well documented in historical records and his correspondence. source
What was a core belief of the Federalists during the ratification debates?
That there should be no army
That states should retain supreme power
That a strong national government was necessary
That the Articles of Confederation were sufficient
Federalists believed the Articles of Confederation created a weak union unable to resolve internal disputes or defend itself effectively. They argued for a stronger central government to promote stability, manage trade, and provide defense. This was the main thrust of their campaign for the new Constitution. source
What was a primary concern of the Anti-Federalists regarding the proposed Constitution?
That it lacked a president
That it provided for too many amendments
That it would create a too-powerful central government
That it eliminated state legislatures
Anti-Federalists feared that a strong central government would erode individual liberties and state authority. They argued that the Constitution did not do enough to protect citizens from potential federal overreach. Their objections led directly to calls for a Bill of Rights. source
Who authored Federalist No. 10, addressing the dangers of factions?
George Washington
James Madison
Alexander Hamilton
John Jay
James Madison wrote Federalist No. 10, in which he argued that a large republic would better control factions than smaller republics by diluting their influence. This essay is one of the most famous in the Federalist Papers collection. It outlines how diverse interests in a union prevent any single group from dominating. source
What was the main goal of the Federalists in the Constitutional Convention debates?
To abolish the Senate
To maintain the Articles of Confederation
To secure ratification of the Constitution
To elect a monarch
Federalists wanted the new Constitution adopted to replace the ineffective Articles of Confederation. They believed the federal government needed more authority to address national issues like defense and commerce. Their efforts focused on persuading state conventions to ratify the document. source
Who wrote the Anti-Federalist essay known as the "Federal Farmer"?
Mercy Otis Warren
Samuel Adams
Richard Henry Lee
George Clinton
The "Federal Farmer" letters are widely attributed to Richard Henry Lee, a prominent Anti-Federalist. He criticized the Constitution for giving too much power to the central government and lacking explicit rights. His essays influenced ratification debates, particularly in New York and Virginia. source
Which demand by the Anti-Federalists led to the adoption of the first ten amendments?
Direct election of the President
Permanent standing army
Inclusion of a Bill of Rights
A unicameral legislature
Anti-Federalists argued that the Constitution needed explicit guarantees of individual liberties. Their pressure convinced Federalists to promise amendments protecting free speech, religion, and due process. These amendments became known as the Bill of Rights. source
In which state did the Federalist Papers primarily influence ratification debates?
Virginia
New York
Massachusetts
Pennsylvania
The Federalist Papers were first published in New York newspapers to sway public opinion and delegates in that state's ratifying convention. Many historians credit these essays with securing narrow approval in New York. Later, they influenced other states and became foundational political theory. source
Which Anti-Federalist leader opposed the Constitution because it lacked term limits for federal judges?
James Madison
George Mason
John Jay
John Adams
George Mason was a vocal Anti-Federalist who refused to sign the Constitution at the Philadelphia Convention. Among his objections was the provision for lifetime tenure for federal judges, which he feared would create an unaccountable aristocracy. His stance influenced calls for judicial safeguards. source
What financial institution did Federalists support to stabilize the economy?
State Bank of Virginia
Continental Congress Treasury
National Bank
Independent Treasury
Alexander Hamilton, a leading Federalist, proposed the creation of a national bank to manage war debt, stabilize the currency, and encourage economic growth. The Bank of the United States was chartered in 1791 and became a central institution in federal fiscal policy. source
How did Federalists ultimately respond to Anti-Federalist calls for a Bill of Rights during ratification?
They rejected all amendments
They postponed ratification indefinitely
They promised amendments after ratification
They insisted rights were already implied
Federalists argued that a Bill of Rights was unnecessary but agreed to add one to secure ratification votes. This compromise led to the swift proposal and adoption of the first ten amendments. It reflected pragmatic politics to address Anti-Federalist concerns. source
Which Federalist Paper argues that separation of powers prevents tyranny by dividing authority among branches?
Federalist No. 84
Federalist No. 39
Federalist No. 51
Federalist No. 1
In Federalist No. 51, James Madison explains how the structure of the proposed government would provide checks and balances. He argues that each branch must be independent and have sufficient means to resist encroachments by others. This essay is key to understanding the Constitution's design against tyranny. source
Why did Anti-Federalists argue that the proposed federal judiciary posed a threat?
They advocated for monarchy
They wanted military courts
They believed states should have no judiciary
They feared lifetime tenure would make judges unaccountable
Anti-Federalists were concerned that lifetime appointments for federal judges would separate them from public opinion and create an unaccountable elite. They argued this undermined republican principles. Their critiques influenced later calls for judicial reform. source
Which Anti-Federalist pamphlet warned that the presidency could become a monarchy?
Centinel Papers
Common Sense
The Federalist
Federalist No. 10
The Centinel Papers, penned by Samuel Bryan, were a series of Anti-Federalist essays warning against a strong executive. They argued that a single president could easily become a monarch in all but name. The concern reflects broader Anti-Federalist fears of central authority. source
According to Federalist No. 84, why did Hamilton argue a Bill of Rights was unnecessary?
Written constitutions inherently limited government
People did not need protections
States would override federal laws
The judiciary would refuse to enforce rights
Alexander Hamilton in Federalist No. 84 claimed enumerating rights risked implying any unlisted rights were unprotected. He believed the Constitution's structure, with its separation of powers and limited powers clause, provided sufficient safeguards. This essay is a key argument against a Bill of Rights. source
Which Anti-Federalist argument led to the adoption of the Ninth Amendment regarding unenumerated rights?
The insistence on abolishing the Senate
The desire for religious testing for officeholders
The belief that unspecified rights remain protected
The support for a standing army in peacetime
Anti-Federalists argued that listing only certain rights might imply that unlisted rights were forfeited. Their pressure produced the Ninth Amendment, which affirms that the enumeration of some rights does not deny others. This safeguard addresses potential gaps in the Bill of Rights. source
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Study Outcomes

  1. Distinguish Core Philosophies -

    Understand the fundamental beliefs and political principles that separated Federalists from Anti-Federalists during the US constitutional debates.

  2. Identify Key Figures -

    Recognize major framers and contributors such as Alexander Hamilton and Patrick Henry by correctly categorizing them as Federalists or Anti-Federalists.

  3. Analyze Historical Arguments -

    Examine the main arguments each side presented on issues like central government power, individual rights, and state sovereignty.

  4. Apply Critical Thinking -

    Use contextual clues from the quiz questions to infer each figure's stance and deepen your grasp of early American political philosophy.

  5. Reflect on Constitutional Impact -

    Evaluate how Federalist and Anti-Federalist debates shaped the structure and Bill of Rights of the United States Constitution.

Cheat Sheet

  1. Federalist Vision for a Strong Central Government -

    Federalists like Alexander Hamilton and James Madison argued for a robust national authority to maintain order and unite the states (Federalist No. 10, University of Chicago Press). They championed separation of powers and checks and balances to prevent tyranny, often summarized by the mnemonic "FED: Federal Ensures Division."

  2. Anti-Federalist Focus on States' Rights and Individual Liberties -

    Anti-Federalists such as Patrick Henry and the Brutus authors feared centralized power would trample local autonomy and personal freedoms (Brutus No. 1, Library of Congress). They pushed for including a Bill of Rights as a safeguard, remembered by the phrase "Small States, Big Rights."

  3. The Federalist vs. Anti-Federalist Papers -

    The Federalist Papers consist of 85 essays promoting ratification, while Anti-Federalists penned around 17 major essays opposing it (Yale Law School). Comparing Federalist No. 51 with Brutus No. 2 highlights how each side viewed faction control and representation.

  4. Key Figures and Handy Mnemonics -

    Remember "HJM vs. PHC" to recall Federalists Hamilton, Jay, Madison versus Anti-Federalists Patrick Henry, Cato, Centinel (National Archives). This simple code helps you quickly identify authors in the "are you a federalist or anti-federalist quiz."

  5. Lasting Legacy: The Bill of Rights Compromise -

    Anti-Federalist pressure led to the first ten amendments, ensuring free speech, due process, and more (National Constitution Center). This pivotal compromise blended both philosophies and solidified U.S. constitutional structure.

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