Anti-Federalists argued that
What is the purpose of checks and balances in the Constitution?
Federalists believed a strong government would
It may be a reflection on human nature, that such devices [checks and balances] should be necessary to control the abuses of government… If men were angels, no government would be necessary.
Read the following excerpt from Federalist #3 by John Jay.The number of wars which have happened or will happen in the world will always be found to be in proportion to the number and weight of the causes, whether REAL or PRETENDED, which PROVOKE or INVITE them. If this remark be just, it becomes useful to inquire whether so many JUST causes of war are likely to be given by UNITED AMERICA as by DISUNITED America; for if it should turn out that United America will probably give the fewest, then i
Read the excerpt from the Centinel.This hypothesis [separation of powers] supposes human wisdom competent [capable] to the task of instituting three co-equal orders in government…If such an organization of power were practicable [able to be used], how long would it continue? Not a day.—Centinel
Unlike the Anti-Federalists, the Federalists believed
What was the Federalists’ view of the Constitution?
Read the following excerpt from Federalist #44 by James Madison.Had every State a right to regulate the value of its coin, there might be as many different currencies as States, and thus the [trade] among them would be impeded; [unexpected changes] in its value might be made, and thus the citizens of other States be injured, and animosities be kindled among the States themselves. The subjects of foreign powers might suffer from the same cause, and hence the Union be discredited and embroiled by the indiscretion of a single member.
According to Anti-Federalists, the Constitution
Did you find these answers helpful?