7. Federal Hall’s New Building Was the Subject of Criticism from the Anti-Federalists

Charles L’Enfant redesigned Old City Hall in 1788, after the Constitution had been ratified. L’Enfant’s new design was met with criticism from the anti-Federalists, who accused it of being a symbol of Federalist aristocracy.

Many anti-Federalists called it “Fool’s Trap” and argued that its elegant design was merely an illusion designed to fool the masses into respecting a corrupt and wealthy government.