6.1 Preamble & Federalists Questions

Why did the Anti-Federalists oppose ratification of the Constitution?

• They considered its income taxes to be too high.

• They feared the new government would threaten individual rights.

• They thought the nation needed a monarch to provide greater stability.

• They believed the new government would not be strong enough toovercome its challenges.

Below is a passage from Anti-Federalist Paper #84 written by Brutus.

"With equal truth it may be said, that all the powers which the bills of rights guard against the abuse of, are contained or implied in the general ones granted by this Constitution."

Based on the passage, why did the Anti-Federalists support the inclusion of a bill of rights?

• To give unlimited powers to the federal government.

• To limit the power of the federal government.

• To give unlimited powers to the people.

• To limit protection of the people.

The passage below was written by James Madison in 1787.

"Extend the sphere, and you take in a greater variety of parties and interests; you make it less probable that a majority of the whole will have a common motive to invade the rights of other citizens..." - Federalist Paper #10

Based on this passage, what change in modern political society would Madison support?

• Expanding the size of the Cabinet

• Expanding the size of the Electoral College

• Expanding the number of candidates in campaigns

• Expanding the role of special interest groups in campaigns

What was the purpose of the Preamble to the Constitution?

• to explain the colonists’ reasons for separating from England

• to overcome the threat posed by Shays’ Rebellion

• to help the national government raise more revenue

• to identify the goals of the national government

This newspaper headline describes an event in U.S. history.

"President Eisenhower Sends Federal Troops to Enforce Integration in Schools"

Note: Integration means allowing students of different races to go to the same school.

Which government purpose identified in the Preamble is reflected in the headline?

• Ensure domestic tranquility

• Promote the general welfare

• Secure the blessings of liberty

• Form a more perfect union

The statement below is from a historical document.

"We the People of the United States... do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America." - Source: Library of Congress

How is this statement reflected in the modern American political system?

• Voters elect Congress

• The President elects Congress

• Congress enforces policies

• The president enacts policies