Describe the conflict and tension between states' rights and strong federal government that has existed from the 1700s through the civil war era. what were the major aims of each side of this debate, who were the leaders of these movements? finally, describe how the fight over states' rights versus federalism occurred, using specific examples to make your argument.

There were 2 sides of who wanted stronger state power and stronger federal power. These 2 being the Anti-Federalist who supported strong state powers. And the federalist who wanted strong federal powers. These two sides were established even before the United States had a constitution. Some of the federalist leaders were John Adams, John Jay, etc; and some of the Anti-Federalist were Patrick Henry, Henry Lee, etc. 

The fight between states rights and federalism first really kicked of physically with the start of the Civil war. Which was a result of many states seceding from the Union starting with South Carolina. They did so because the federal government was beginning to put more restrictions on slave ownership. Which would have been a direct impact again many southern states economies since slaves were the main driving workforce behind their plantations that produced sugar cane. A war that for the most part was only fought to maintain slavery and resulted in half a million Americans dead. The biggest loss of life in war time in American history.