Federalists & Anti-Federalists Extra Practice

What was the first form of government organized under in America’s earliest days?

• The Constitution

• The Articles of Confederation

• The Bill of Rights

• The Federalist Papers

Answer explanation

The first form of government organized in America’s earliest days was the Articles of Confederation, which served as the initial constitution for the newly independent states before the current Constitution was adopted.

Fill in the blank: The Constitution created a stronger central government that shared power with the ______.

• states.

• monarch.

• foreign nations.

• local councils.

Answer explanation

The Constitution established a federal system where power is divided between the central government and the states, ensuring a balance of authority. Thus, the correct answer is 'states.'

What did anti-federalists fear about a strong central government?

• It would lead to a loss of individual liberties.

• It would strengthen state governments.

• It would promote economic equality.

• It would reduce military power.

Answer explanation

Anti-federalists feared that a strong central government would infringe on individual liberties, as they believed it could lead to tyranny and oppression, undermining the rights and freedoms of citizens.

Federalists supported a strong central government because:

• They believed it would provide stability and order.

• They wanted to limit the power of the states.

• They opposed the Articles of Confederation.

• They sought to establish a monarchy.

Answer explanation

Federalists believed a strong central government would provide stability and order, addressing the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation and preventing chaos that could arise from state power.

What was added to the Constitution as a compromise to please the anti-federalists?

• The Federalist Papers

• The Articles of Confederation

• The Bill of Rights

• The Constitution

Answer explanation

The Bill of Rights was added to the Constitution as a compromise to address the concerns of anti-federalists, who feared that a strong central government could infringe on individual liberties.

Read each statement. If it sounds like something a Federalist would have said to support the Constitution, write F in the box. If it sounds like something an Anti-Federalist would have said to complain about the Constitution, write A on the line. 1. The Constitution gives the federal government enough power to overpower the states.

• F

• A

Answer explanation

The statement indicates concern about the federal government's power over the states, which aligns with Anti-Federalist views. They opposed the Constitution fearing it would diminish state authority, hence the correct answer is A.

Read each statement. If it sounds like something a Federalist would have said to support the Constitution, write F in the box. If it sounds like something an Anti-Federalist would have said to complain about the Constitution, write A on the line. 2. It will not be possible for the federal government to overpower the states, because the states are a necessary part of the federal government.

• F

• A

Answer explanation

The statement supports the Constitution by asserting that the federal government cannot overpower the states, emphasizing their essential role. This aligns with Federalist views that promoted a strong federal system while respecting state authority.

Read each statement. If it sounds like something a Federalist would have said to support the Constitution, write F in the box. If it sounds like something an Anti-Federalist would have said to complain about the Constitution, write A on the line. 3. 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.

• F

• A

Answer explanation

This statement highlights a concern about the lack of a Bill of Rights in the Constitution, which is a key argument made by Anti-Federalists. They believed individual liberties needed explicit protection, hence the correct choice is A.

Read each statement. If it sounds like something a Federalist would have said to support the Constitution, write F in the box. If it sounds like something an Anti-Federalist would have said to complain about the Constitution, write A on the line. 4. The Constitution says federal laws are “the supreme law of the land,” so the federal government could just take complete control.

• Federalist

• Anti-Federalist

Answer explanation

This statement reflects an Anti-Federalist concern that the Constitution grants too much power to the federal government, allowing it to override state laws and potentially lead to tyranny.

Read each statement. If it sounds like something a Federalist would have said to support the Constitution, write F in the box. If it sounds like something an Anti-Federalist would have said to complain about the Constitution, write A on the line. 5. Nothing in the Constitution says the federal government has power to limit peoples’ freedoms in the first place.

• F

• A

Answer explanation

The statement reflects an Anti-Federalist concern that the Constitution does not explicitly protect individual freedoms, suggesting a fear of potential government overreach. Thus, it aligns with an Anti-Federalist viewpoint.