Question

In your opinion, what were the Anti-Federalists’ strongest arguments? Put yourself in the Federalists’ shoes—how would you respond? Write a paragraph in response to the Anti-Federalists.

Answer 1

Answer:

George Mason and Patrik Henry of Virginia, Melancton Smith of New York and James Winthrop of Massachusetts were three main anti federalists.  

The anti federalists believed that the Constitution made the central government too much powerful and without the in the absence of Bill of Rights the central government could encroach upon the power of states and people.

They thought bill of rights was necessary  to safeguard peoples liberty. While the federalists considered that there was no need for a bill of rights because the states and people had the powers which were not given to the federal government.  

The bill of rights was adopted due to the efforts of Anti federalists. The issues that were brought in light by them were :

The national government had excessive powers at the expense of the state government

The president had disguised monarchic powers

Suspicion about the federal court system

Fear that Congress can gain too much power under the necessary and proper clause

Fear that the republican government was unsuitable in a country like USA due to its size

There was no bill of rights to protect the individual liberty