Question

Anti-Federalists chose to ratify the Constitution largely because of the promise of a bill of individual rights. However, they still feared that a federal system would become too powerful. Did the federal government grow too powerful under the Washington and Adams administrations? If so, what are some specific examples where this happened? Or did the Federalists manage to avoid the kinds of abuses the Anti-Federalists feared? What are some examples?

Answer 1

George Washington was considered to be the country's first federalist President. He was supportive of a sole government which centralized power and decided over the matters that concerned all of the states.

Within the first months of his presidency, Congress created executive departments like the Department of Treasury, State, War, and the Postmaster General. Washington proceeded to appoint Thomas Jefferson as Secretary of State, among other figures.

The Federal government proved to be not as strong as it should. This was proven with the Whiskey Rebellion in 1794. In order to raise money to pay the national debt, Congress imposed a tax on distilled spirits, which farmers considered to be unfair. Threats were placed against tax collectors. As a response to this, the government summoned the federal army. However, it was too small and had to retreat against the state militias.