The Federalist Debate (Chapter 2, Section 5)

The Constitution gives too much power to the central government, overpowering the states.

• Federalist

• Anti-Federalist

We must start with a fresh document, fixing the Articles of Confederation isn’t enough.

• Federalist

• Anti-Federalist

The Constitution contains no Bill of Rights to protect individual liberties like freedom of speech, trial by jury, and the right against searches and seizures.

• Federalist

• Anti-Federalist

A strong President is necessary to protect the country against foreign attack and make sure laws are carried out properly.

• Federalist

• Anti-Federalist

The President created by the Constitution is really just a king.

• Federalist

• Anti-Federalist

Nothing in the Constitution says the federal government has power to limit people’s freedoms in the first place.

• Federalist

• Anti-Federalist

The Constitution says federal laws are “the supreme law of the land,” so the federal government could just take complete control.

• Federalist

• Anti-Federalist

The Constitution forbids creating titles of nobility like “Duke” or “King,” so the government will always belong to the people.

• Federalist

• Anti-Federalist

The Constitution is a Bill of Rights because it guarantees citizens a role in government.

• Federalist

• Anti-Federalist

The United States is too large to have a central government. People won’t know their leaders and will lose control over the government.

• Federalist

• Anti-Federalist