Key Debates Shaping Early U.S. History

Federalists over the Constitution:Federalists supported a strong national government, believing it was

necessary for stability and economic growth, and argued that the Constitution already protected

individual rights. Anti-Federalists feared centralized power and believed the Constitution

threatened personal liberties. Their opposition led to the adoption of the Bill of Rights,

which guaranteed individual freedoms.Mexican-American War and resulting territorial expansion:The Mexican-American

War (1846–1848) was fought over disputes following the annexation of Texas and U.S.

expansionist goals. The war ended with the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo, which granted the

United States vast territories in the Southwest, including California. This expansion intensified