Federalist vs. Anti-Federalist 2023

. . . a federal government . . . ought to be clothed with all the powers requisite [necessary] to complete execution of its trust.

• Federalist

• Anti-Federalist

That the judicial power of the United States will lean strongly in favor of the general government, and will give such an explanation to the constitution, as will favor an extension of its jurisdiction , is very evident from a variety of considerations. First, the constitution itself strongly countenances such a mode of construction. Most of the articles in this system which convey powers of any considerable importance are conceived in general and indefinite terms, which are either equivocal, ambiguous, or which require long definitions to unfold the extent of their meaning

• Federalist

• Anti-Federalist

The proposed Constitution, therefore,...is, in strictness, neither a national nor a federal Constitution, but a composition of both.

• Federalist

• Anti-Federalist

I am against inserting a declaration of rights in the Constitution. . . . If such an addition is not dangerous, it is at least unnecessary

• Federalist

• Anti-Federalist

A bill of rights . . . serves to secure the minority against the usurpation and tyranny of the majority.

• Federalist

• Anti-Federalist

The . . . new form of government . . . declares a consolidation or union of all the thirteen parts, or states, into one great whole. . . It is an intuitive truth that a consolidated republican form of government [will lead] . . . into a monarchy, either limited or despotic.

• Federalist

• Anti-Federalist

. . . one government . . , never can extend equal benefits to all parts of the United States. Different laws, customs, and opinions exist in the different states, which by a uniform system of laws would be unreasonably invaded.

• Federalist

• Anti-Federalist

The number of the representatives [called for in the Constitution of 1787] appears to be too few, either to communicate the requisite information of the wants [needs], local circumstances, and sentiments of so extensive an empire, or to prevent corruption and undue influence in the exigencies of such great powers.

• Federalist

• Anti-Federalist

[the national judiciary] not only serves to moderate the immediate mischiefs of those [unjust laws] which may have been passed but it operates as a check upon the legislative body in passing them.

• Federalist

• Anti-Federalist

These [national] courts will be in themselves, totally independent of the states, deriving their authority from the United States, and receiving from them fixed salaries; and in the course of human events it is to be expected that they will swallow up all the powers of the courts in the respective states.

• Federalist

• Anti-Federalist