Federalist and Antifederalist Arguments Sorted
Written by Adi Ackerman, Head Teacher
"Federalist and Antifederalist Arguments Sorted" is written for 8th Grade (Ages 13-14), and it covers C3 Framework D2.Civ.8.6-8. A 7th grader who is already steady on the Constitution and Bill of Rights can use it too, and an older student can use it as a short review.
3 pages in this set
8th grade social studies worksheet: sort ten excerpts from Madison, Mason, Brutus and Hamilton by side and by issue. Answer key included. Part of our ratification debate constitution and bill of rights collection. Aligned to C3 Framework standards.
How do I use this worksheet?
Start with the state by state timeline so students see the order, then read the Virginia debate. Use the sorting sheet last to pull the arguments together.
What students will practice
- Students will label each of ten excerpts Federalist or Antifederalist.
- Students will tag each excerpt with its issue, from the size of the republic to executive power.
- Students will explain why the First Congress proposed a bill of rights in 1789.
We the People and the Ratification Debate
Ratifying the Constitution State by State
Why Madison Proposed a Bill of Rights
Religious Liberty Argument From Newport to 1791
Civic Duties and Responsibilities in the Early Republic
Federalist No. 51 and the Structure of Government
Federalism in the Constitution Venn Diagram
Virginia Plan or New Jersey Plan Seat Math
Curriculum Links
C3 Framework for Social Studies State Standards
Social Studies · 8th Grade
Find this in the curriculum
Browse the grade, subject, and topic this belongs to.
FAQ
How do I use this ratification debate worksheet?
⌄
Start with the state by state timeline so students see the order, then read the Virginia debate. Use the sorting sheet last to pull the arguments together.
What does this worksheet teach?
⌄
Sort ten excerpts from Madison, Mason, Brutus and Hamilton by side and by issue. The directions on the page read: Read each excerpt. Write F or A for the side, and the letter of the issue it argues about. An answer key is included.
Can I use this ratification debate worksheet for homeschool or classroom?
⌄
Yes, both. We made it for 8th grade the Constitution and Bill of Rights, and it works the same at home or at school. At home, a student can work through it alone and then go over it with you, which shows quickly what is solid and what needs another look. In class it works as independent practice, homework or a warm-up, and you can print one copy or a full set.
Who were the Federalists and the Antifederalists?
⌄
Federalists supported the Constitution, and Antifederalists opposed it or wanted changes first. Madison, Hamilton and Jay wrote The Federalist to win support, while George Mason objected that it had no declaration of rights.
What did Patrick Henry object to in the Constitution?
⌄
At Virginia's convention in June 1788, Henry asked what right the framers had to say We, the people. Students put his objection in their own words and chart the idea he defends. Virginia still ratified, 89 to 79.
Which state ratified the Constitution last?
⌄
Rhode Island ratified last, on May 29, 1790, by 34 to 32. North Carolina ratified on November 21, 1789. The state by state sheet has students find the margin in close states.
Ratings & Reviews
No reviews yet. Be the first to share what you think.
Reviews are for ClassWeekly members.
Make a Request
Spotted something to fix, or want a worksheet we don't have yet? Tell us and we'll make it.
Worksheet Details
| Grade | 8th Grade |
| Subject | Social Studies |
| Topic | The Constitution and Bill of Rights |
| Standard | D2.Civ.8.6-8 |
| Pages | 3 pages |
| Difficulty | Medium |
What is ClassWeekly?
ClassWeekly offers free worksheets and printable learning resources for kids, from preschool up. All worksheets are aligned to Common Core, NGSS, and C3 Framework standards and designed by educators. Become a member to access the full library and download unlimited PDFs.
We the People and the Ratification Debate
Ratifying the Constitution State by State
Why Madison Proposed a Bill of Rights
Religious Liberty Argument From Newport to 1791
Civic Duties and Responsibilities in the Early Republic
Federalist No. 51 and the Structure of Government
Federalism in the Constitution Venn Diagram
Virginia Plan or New Jersey Plan Seat Math