Anti-Federalists and Supreme Court Cases

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Questions and Answers

What was the main purpose for which American colonists justified taking up arms against British rule?

To establish an empire

To defend their freedoms and property (correct)

To conquer British territories

To expand their influence in Europe

What concern did the Georgian citizen express regarding the Federal Constitution?

It favored the elite over the common man (correct)

It did not adequately protect property rights

It would lead to a military dictatorship

It was too similar to the Declaration of Independence

What did Benjamin Franklin argue regarding the financial responsibilities of the colonies?

The colonies contributed significantly to their own defense (correct)

The colonies had ample resources to pay the Stamp Act

The colonies were overtaxed by their own government

The colonies should bear all expenses for British protection

What approach did George Washington recommend concerning foreign alliances?

Avoid entanglements in foreign conflicts Signup and view all the answers

What was one major criticism of the Constitution by the Anti-Federalists?

It lacked strong protections against government abuse of power. Signup and view all the answers

What was a key provision of Pinckney's Treaty with Spain?

Navigation rights on the Mississippi River for the U.S. Signup and view all the answers

What did elite Pennsylvanians fear that led to support for a stronger national government?

Widespread resistance to their control Signup and view all the answers

What concept did the Supreme Court establish in Schenck v. United States regarding free speech?

Speech can be limited if it poses a clear and present danger. Signup and view all the answers

According to the Anti-Federalists, what did they lack in their approach to addressing their concerns about the Constitution?

Faith and a nationwide vision for alternative governance. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following did the Georgian citizen urge citizens to consider in order to protect their liberties?

Comparisons between current laws and the Declaration of Independence Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of the colonies' ability to pay the Stamp Act did Franklin highlight?

There was insufficient gold and silver to cover the tax Signup and view all the answers

What did the language used by the Supreme Court in Schenck v. United States focus on?

The context and impact of speech on public safety. Signup and view all the answers

What motivation did elite leaders have for supporting the Constitution, according to historian Terry Bouton?

To protect their interests from excessive democracy Signup and view all the answers

In the context of the Anti-Federalists, what was their view on national representatives?

They feared unchecked power would lead to tyranny. Signup and view all the answers

What warning did Washington give regarding entanglements with Europe?

They might lead to military conflicts Signup and view all the answers

What situation does the Supreme Court reference to evaluate free speech limitations?

A false alert pranking an audience in a theater. Signup and view all the answers

What choice did individuals face according to the passage from the third stimulus text?

Submitting to tyranny or resisting by force. Signup and view all the answers

What sentiment did the Anti-Federalists express about the future of the nation?

Concern over potential governmental overreach. Signup and view all the answers

What did the phrase 'clear and present danger' signify in the context of free speech?

Speech that must be analyzed for its potential harm. Signup and view all the answers

What did the Anti-Federalists believe about the intentions of the authors of the Constitution?

They sought to concentrate power in the national government. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Anti-Federalists and the Constitution

Anti-Federalists opposed the Constitution, arguing it lacked protections against government corruption and tyranny.
They believed national representatives could abuse the power granted under the Constitution.
While opposed to the central government as designed, the Anti-Federalists lacked a unified plan for a nationwide alternative government.

Free Speech and Clear and Present Danger

The Supreme Court, in Schenck v. United States, ruled that free speech is not absolute and can be limited if it poses a "clear and present danger."
The Court determined that speech can be limited when it risks causing harm to the public.
This ruling established a precedent for balancing free speech with public safety concerns.

Colonists Justify Taking Up Arms

In their Declaration of the Causes and Necessity of Taking Up Arms, American colonists declared their reasons for fighting against British rule.
They argued that they were fighting for their freedoms and property, emphasizing that they did not seek conquest but rather the defense of rights they had enjoyed before British oppression.

Protection of Liberties

A Georgian urges citizens to protect their "hard-won freedoms," citing the Declaration of Independence and the importance of resisting encroachment on liberties.
He warns readers to remain vigilant against any threats to their rights and freedoms.

Benjamin Franklin and the Stamp Act

During his testimony before the British Parliament, Benjamin Franklin argued against the Stamp Act.
He asserted that the colonies lacked the resources to pay British taxes and had already made significant contributions to their own defense.
Franklin's testimony emphasized the colonies' financial limitations and contributions during the last war.

Washington's Farewell Address

In his Farewell Address, President George Washington advised the U.S to avoid permanent alliances with foreign nations.
He warned that entangling America's destiny with foreign nations could endanger its peace and prosperity by drawing it into European disputes, which would destabilize the young nation.

Pinckney’s Treaty

Pinckney’s Treaty, also known as the Treaty of San Lorenzo, established peaceful relations and mutual trade benefits between the U.S. and Spain.
It secured American navigation rights on the Mississippi River, crucial for American commerce and expansion.

Elite Fears of Democracy

Historian Terry Bouton suggests that elite fears of excessive democracy in the states drove support for a stronger national government.
They believed state governments had become too democratic, producing policies that threatened elite interests.
The push for the Constitution was rooted in these fears and the desire to counter the rising tide of democracy.

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Description

This quiz explores the viewpoints of the Anti-Federalists regarding the Constitution, highlighting their fears of government tyranny and corruption. It also discusses the Supreme Court's ruling in Schenck v. United States, which set limits on free speech under certain circumstances. Understand the motivations of early American colonists as they justified their rebellion against British rule.