As depression struck the new nation in the mid-1780s, new questions
arose about the nature of American democracy. Many conservatives
believed that the answer lay in a stronger national government. Most
radicals believed it was up to the states to relieve the financial
burden of the people. These sentiments fostered a movement for a new
constitution. Political differences soon stimulated the creation of
political parties.

Compare and contrast the Articles of Confederation with the new
Constitution of 1787. What were the strengths and weaknesses of the
Articles vis-à-vis the Constitution? Give specific instances that
demonstrate the weakness of the Articles (such as the Western problem).

Then analyze the drafting of the Constitution, using specific details
to show how the various states (slave vs. free, east vs. west)
compromised in order to effectively draft a constitution. Pay particular
attention to Roger Sherman’s plan, the Great Compromise, which broke a
stalemate that could have been fatal to the development of the new
Constitution.

Finally, compare and contrast the debate over ratification between
the Federalists and the Anti-Federalists. Make sure you cite specific
examples from the Federalist Papers to support the Federalist position
and contrast it with leading proponents of the opposition (such as John
Hancock). Analyze how the debate over a bill of rights illustrates the
differences between the two parties. Evaluate the relative success of
the Bill of Rights in achieving an effective balance between national
and states’ interests.

This paper must be four to five double-spaced pages in length (not
including the References page) and utilize no less than four academic
quality sources. Margins should be no more than one inch (right and
left) and the essay should be composed in an appropriate font and size.
Sources must be documented and cited using APA format.