Federalists vs Antifederalists

“We have no reason to eliminate our state governments, or think they are incapable of acting wisely. Our state governments should be the guardians of our rights and interests.”

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“It is unfair to presume that the representatives of the people will be tyrants in the federal government, but not the in the state government. If we are convinced that the federal government will pass laws that go against the interests of the people, then we should have no federal government at all. But if we unite, we can accomplish great things. ”

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“No reasonable man would want to establish a government that is unfriendly to the liberty of the people. Do not assume, gentlemen, that the advocates of this Constitution are motivated by their ambition. It is an unjust and uncharitable view. ”

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“In a country where most people live more than twelve hundred miles from the center, I don’t think one [government] body can legislate for the whole. Can such a government design a system of taxation that will be beneficial for everyone?”

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“Is it not possible to find a set of representatives who are familiar with all parts of the continent? Can you find men in Georgia who know what’s happening in New Hampshire, who know what taxes will best suit its inhabitants, and how much they can afford? Can the best men make laws for the people they know nothing about?”

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“All communities divide themselves into the few and the many. The first are the rich and well born; the other, the mass of people…. The people are turbulent and changing; they seldom judge or determine right. Give therefore the first class a ….permanent share in the government….they therefore will ever maintain good government.”

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“It must be by this time evident to all men…that (the Articles of Confederation) is a system so radically vicious and unsound as to admit….an entire change.”

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“Our country is too large to have all affairs directed by a single government.”

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“I had rather be a free citizen of the small republic of Massachusetts, than an oppressed subject of the great American empire."

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“When the government fears the people, there is liberty. When the people fear the government, there is tyranny.”

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