Federalists v. Anti-Federalists, v.2

Each of the following statements was made by a Federalist or an Anti-Federalist. Identify whether the statements are Federalist or Anti-Federalist by clicking the correct box.

“It [Congress] has the authority to make laws which will affect the lives, the liberty, and property of every man in the United States; nor can the Constitution or laws of any State, in any way prevent or impede the full and complete execution of every power given.”

• Federalist

• Anti-Federalist

Answer explanation

From Brutus No. 17 - This quotation expresses concern that a powerful national legislature will override the authority of the states.

"The powers delegated by the proposed Constitution to the federal government, are few and defined. Those which are to remain in the State governments are numerous and indefinite."

• Federalist

• Anti-Federalist

Answer explanation

From Federalist No. 45 (James Madison) - Argues that the Constitution limits federal powers, while the states will retain numerous significant powers.

"In giving such immense, such unlimited powers, was there no necessity of a Bill of Rights, to secure the people their liberties?"

• Federalist

• Anti-Federalist

Answer explanation

From An Old Whig No. 2 - Criticizes the lack of a Bill of Rights to protect individual liberties from a powerful government.

"As to those just causes of war which proceed from direct and unlawful violence, it appears equally clear to me that one good national government affords vastly more security against dangers of that sort than can be derived from any other quarter."

• Federalist

• Anti-Federalist

Answer explanation

From Federalist No. 3 (John Jay) - Believes that a strong central government is better able to defend against the nation's enemies.

"In the compound republic of America, the power surrendered by the people is first divided between two distinct governments, and then the portion allotted to each subdivided among distinct and separate departments. Hence a double security arises to the rights of the people."

• Federalist

• Anti-Federalist

Answer explanation

From Federalist No. 51 (James Madison) - Argues that the division of power in the new federal government will protect the rights of the people.

"To grant therefore such an ample power of taxation, and the right of soil, to the amount of millions, upon the recommendation of this honorable Convention, without either knowing the amount of the national debt, or the annual expenses of government, would not argue, in my opinion, the highest degree of prudence."

• Federalist

• Anti-Federalist

Answer explanation

This Anti-Federalist writer, the "Federal Farmer" (Richard Henry Lee), fears that the expenses and debt of the national government would result in heavy taxation.