List of primary arguments of the critics and defenders of the constitution

After the Revolutionary War, the thirteen victorious colonies were trying to form a union for mutual protection and trade. There were two general factions, those who thought a constitution would lead to better relations and mutual gain and those who felt that a strong federal constitution would weaken each new state's sovereignty and power.

The critics of the constitution believed that it didn't guarantee individual and states rights and that it needed to be amended which is why the bill of rights was added. The Defenders believed that it was necessary to ensure the existence of a strong federal government that could protect the people from foreign influence.