Interpret the Evidence and Put It in Context

1. How do Melancton Smith, Alexander Hamilton, and John Williams each view the problems that exist under the confederation government (Documents 7.6, 7.7, and 7.8)?

2. What does James Madison see as the major source of factions in the United States, and how does he think they can most effectively be contained (Document 7.5)?

3. What are the main arguments for and against the three-fifths compromise in the Constitution (Documents 7.6, 7.7, and 7.8)? What other issues of representation inspired debate?

4. Are there any shared beliefs between the Federalists and Antifederalists in New York (Documents 7.5, 7.6, 7.7, and 7.8)? Do these explain Smith’s decision to vote yes on ratification?

5. How does the Massachusetts Centinel represent the legacy of New York’s ratification of the Constitution (Document 7.9)?