U.S. Government: Federalist vs Anti-Federalist

Key Figures and Their Positions

• Samuel Adams and Thomas Jefferson both opposed a strong federal government.
• Anti-Federalists, including these figures, sought to ensure the inclusion of a Bill of Rights in the Constitution.
• Alexander Hamilton and James Madison were key leaders supporting the Constitution, positioning themselves against the Anti-Federalists.

Anti-Federalist Views

• Anti-Federalists feared that the Constitution would grant excessive power to Congress, diminishing state authority.
• They believed the Constitution could empower the president too much, leading to potential abuses of power.
• The Anti-Federalists advocated for strong state laws and a decentralized government structure.

Federalist Beliefs

• Federalists, contrasting with Anti-Federalists, believed the president should have sufficient power to govern effectively and lead the nation.
• They argued for dividing lawmaking power among different branches of government via checks and balances.
• A Federalist perspective emphasized the necessity of government as a control against human flaws, stating, "If men were angels, no government would be necessary."

Concepts and Terminology

• A faction is defined as a group that strongly disagrees with another group, keying into the polarized debate between Federalists and Anti-Federalists.
• Checks and balances are considered essential devices for controlling government abuses, reflecting a realistic view of human nature.

Notable Excerpts

• Publius argues the division of legislative authority into branches minimizes the risk of power abuses, supporting the Federalist perspective.
• "The Federal Farmer" expresses concern that a unified government structure could threaten individual liberties and ignite civil discord.
• The view that a single unified government risks the freedoms of citizens highlights the main concern of Anti-Federalists regarding central power concentration.