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Bronze statue of George Washington seated on a bench, with a hat and books nearby.
Historical painting depicting a group of founding fathers in a meeting, with George Washington speaking at the forefront.
Portrait of three historical figures from the American founding era, including Alexander Hamilton and James Madison.
Cover of "The Federalist" essays with the text "Primary Source: The Federalist Papers Explained" and a decorative border.

Federalist and Anti-Federalist Papers

422 minutes

42 Items

Bronze statue of George Washington seated on a bench, with a hat and books nearby.
The Ratification Debate

Lesson

11 Activities

80 Min

Historical painting depicting a group of founding fathers in a meeting, with George Washington speaking at the forefront.
The Ratification Debate on the Constitution

Essay

3192 Words

Portrait of three historical figures from the American founding era, including Alexander Hamilton and James Madison.
Federalist Papers

Collection

Cover of "The Federalist" essays with the text "Primary Source: The Federalist Papers Explained" and a decorative border.
The Federalist Papers Explained | What Was the Argument to Ratify the U.S. Constitution?

Video

21 Min

Text document titled "Excerpts from Federalist No. 1 by Alexander Hamilton," dated October 27, 1787.
Federalist No. 1 Excerpts Annotated

Activity

Image of a historical figure with glasses and text about Federalist 1 from the Bill of Rights Institute.
Federalist 1 Explained | Alexander Hamilton’s Call for a Stronger U.S. Government

Video

17 Min

United, holding hands
Federalist No. 10

Primary Source

3171 Words

Cover of "The Federalist: A Collection of Essays," specifically "Federalist 10." Includes title and publication details.
Federalist 10 | BRI’s Primary Source Essentials

Video

2 Min

Graphic featuring the text "Primary Source Close Read Federalist 10 Explained" over a faded portrait of James Madison.
The Effects of Factions: Federalist 10 Explained *Part 1* | A Primary Source Close Read w/ BRI

Video

13 Min

An image featuring text about Federalist 10 overlaying a portrait, with decorative glasses graphics.
Public Good & Individual Rights: Federalist 10 Explained *Part 2* | A Primary Source Close Read

Video

16 Min

Excerpts from Federalist No. 26 discussing government authority and public attention.
Primary Source: Federalist No. 26

Activity

A text document titled "Federalist No. 33" by Alexander Hamilton discussing government principles and powers.
Primary Source: Federalist No. 33

Activity

Founder James Madison
Federalist No. 39

Primary Source

2722 Words

Document titled "Documents of Freedom" featuring excerpts from Federalist No. 44 by James Madison, dated January 25, 1788.
Primary Source: Excerpts from Federalist No. 44

Activity

An image of a large building.
Federalist No. 51

Primary Source

2259 Words

Graphic featuring the text "Primary Source Close Read Federalist 51 Explained" with a background illustration and glasses motif.
Balancing Ambition: Federalist 51 Explained *Part 1* | A Primary Source Close Read w/ BRI

Video

12 Min

Graphic featuring the text "Primary Source Close Read Federalist 51 Explained" with glasses and a sketch of a historical building.
Balancing Interests: Federalist 51 Explained *Part 2* | A Primary Source Close Read w/ BRI

Video

10 Min

Cover of "The Federalist: A Collection of Essays," highlighting Federalist No. 51, with a graphic stating "Primary Source Essentials."
Federalist 51 | Primary Source Essentials

Video

3 Min

Text excerpt from "Federalist No. 57" discussing representation and the House of Representatives.
Handout I: Excerpts of Federalist No. 57

Activity

Excerpts from Federalist No. 62, discussing the significance of republican government and rule of law.
Handout A: Excerpts from Federalist No 62

Activity

Portrait of James Madison with text labeling "Federalist 62" and "Primary Source Close Read Explained."
Federalist 62 Explained | What Is The Role Of The Senate?

Video

21 Min

Document excerpt from Federalist No. 63 by James Madison discussing government structure and responsibilities.
Primary Source: Excerpts from Federalist No. 63

Activity

Founder Alexander Hamilton
Federalist No. 70

Primary Source

3244 Words

Document titled "Analysis: Alexander Hamilton and Federalist No. 70" with sections for directions and supports.
Handout D: Analysis: Alexander Hamilton and Federalist No. 70

Activity

Cover of "The Federalist: A Collection of Essays," featuring title and details about Federalist 70 and its publication.
Federalist 70 | Primary Source Essentials

Video

2 Min

Image features a page from "The Federalist" discussing the new Constitution, with a graphic labeled "Primary Source Explained."
Federalist 70 Explained | Why Does the U.S. Have a Unitary Executive?

Video

21 Min

Document titled "Federalist No. 78" by Alexander Hamilton, discussing the judiciary and the tenure of judges.
Primary Source: Federalist No. 78 Excerpts Annotated

Activity

Cover of "The Federalist: A Collection of Essays" with emphasis on Federalist No. 78 and the term "Primary Source Essentials."
Federalist 78 | Primary Source Essentials

Video

2 Min

Document titled "Federalist No. 84" by Alexander Hamilton, dated July 16, 1788, with annotations and references.
Primary Source: Federalist No. 84 Excerpts Annotated

Activity

Portrait of a historical figure, with text reading "PRIMARY SOURCE CLOSE READ EXPLAINED" and "FEDERALIST 84."
Federalist 84 Explained | What are Some Arguments Against the Bill of Rights?

Video

21 Min

The Federalist Papers primary source
Would you have been a Federalist or an Anti-Federalist?

Page

Document titled "Federalists and Anti-Federalists Debate Congressional Powers" with two excerpts comparing perspectives.
Handout F: Federalists and Anti-Federalists Debate Congressional Powers

Activity

Venn diagram labeled "Federalists and Anti-Federalists" with space to fill positions and common points.
Handout C: Federalists and Anti-Federalists Venn Diagram

Activity

A chart comparing the positions of Federalists and Anti-Federalists with directions for filling it out.
Handout B: Understanding Positions of Federalists and Anti-Federalists

Activity

A historic gathering of military leaders listening to a speech, depicted in a rustic interior setting.
Federalist/Anti-Federalist Debate on Congress’s Powers of Taxation DBQ

Lesson

1 Activities

65 Min

A worksheet listing Anti-Federalist objections to the Constitution with spaces for sources and federal responses.
Handout E: Anti-Federalist Objections to the Constitution

Activity

Three historic portraits of American figures: George Mason, Patrick Henry, and Samuel Adams.
Were the Anti-Federalists Unduly Suspicious or Insightful Political Thinkers?

Activity

40 Min

Historical depiction of a debate in a formal setting, with men in early American attire discussing ideas.
Brutus 1 Explained | What Elements of the Constitution Concerned the Anti-Federalists?

Video

20 Min

Image of a publication cover titled "Letters from Brutus" with a decorative border and the text "Primary Source Essentials."
Brutus 1 | BRI’s Primary Source Essentials

Video

3 Min

Text document titled "Documents of Freedom" discussing the purpose of government and referencing Brutus No. 1 from 1787.
Primary Source: Brutus No. 1

Activity

Document titled "Excerpts from Brutus No. 2" with annotations, discussing government and state rights, dated November 1787.
Primary Source: Brutus No. 2 Excerpts Annotated

Activity

Image of a historical portrait labeled "Federal Farmer" alongside text "Primary Source Close Read Explained."
Federal Farmer 1 Explained | What was the Federal Farmer’s Idea of Compromise for the Constitution?

Video

23 Min