Pros And Cons Of Anti Federalists

Words: 454
Pages: 2

Evi Vayts

Anti Federalists- People who fought against the Constitution.
Leaders- Mason, Randolph, Gerry, Hancock, Adams, Lee, Henry, and Warren.

Arguments:
Previous republican governments had been in small communities where people were of about equal wealth and had the same values. They were all focused on common welfare, not at all how this more large and diverse nation would think or act.

This type of free government needs active participation by the people, and the people would not all be close enough to the center of government to participate. The only way to force them to take part is by military force which is tyranny.

The Constitution grants the national government too much power over the state governments. Eventually, all of
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Civic virtue was not enough to keep them from not living for the common welfare. If there is a large republic, all of the divided powers between state and national government would prevent these groups from overthrowing the government.

The rights of the people would be protected very well by the government, so the people will trust the government. There would be no tyranny because the checks and balances and separation of powers are put into place.

The extra powers that are given to the national government are for issues like trade, currency, and defense. These can only be handled by a strong national government. Also, the Constitution has protections for state governments so that the national government won’t overpower them.

The necessary and proper and general welfare clauses are essential for the national government. If it wants to do what the national government is responsible for doing, these clauses need to be put into place.

An executive branch that is strong is needed for the national government to do it’s responsibilities. The three national powers are separated and checked by one another so that the other branches won’t be