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Once the delegates at the Constitutional Convention agreed on the need to compose a Constitution, problems began to arise. Northern and Southern states disagreed about the nature and presence of slavery. Larger states with more population and smaller states with smaller populations disagreed about the nature of representation. The largest issue which caused the greatest amount of inertia concerned about the role of federal government in the life of its citizens. Federalists wanted a strong national government so that a sense of Law and Order and basic functionality can be present in the new nation. Arising out of the terrible reality of Shays' Rebellion as well as the high level of futility featured within the first Constitution called the Articles of Confederation, the Federalists, such as John Jay and Alexander Hamilton, were fairly pronounced on the issue of a strong federal governmental body. At the same time, the antifederalists, consisting of individuals like Patrick Henry and George Mason, felt that emboldening the federal government without some measure of individual freedom to act as a check against the authority would be a repeat of the tyranny featured with King George of Britain. The Bill of Rights was the compromise that pleased both sides. Federalists were happy because the federal government would retain its power to govern the nation effectively and properly. The Antifederalists were happy because the Bill of Rights became the first 10 amendments to the Constitution, and demanded that while federal government possessed power, it did not come at the cost of individual rights.
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What is the purpose of your Constitution?
The United States Constitution governs the United States. It was created by the Founding Fathers and outlines what rights citizens have.
On what issue did federalist and anti federalist disagree most strongly?
Whether a bill of rights was necessary to include in the Constitution.
Why is George Mason important in US history?
George Mason was truly one of the Founding Fathers. He penned the Virginia Constitution which later became a groundwork for the US Constitution and especially the Bill of Rights. George Mason did not sign the constitution because he felt it was inadequate in its control of government power. George Mason is considered one of the proprieters of Libertarianism.
What did george mason propose to include the constitution?
A Bill of Rights
In 1789 during the ratification process the constitution?
did not include a bill of rights
