Read the excerpt from the Publius.
In republican government, the [lawmaking] authority necessarily
[has the most power]. The remedy for this…is to divide the
legislature into different branches; and to render them…as little
connected with each other [as possible].
—Publius
Which idea does this excerpt support?
the Federalist idea that lawmaking power should be divided among the different branches of government
According to Anti-Federalists, the Constitution
could give the president too much influence.
How were Samuel Adams and Thomas Jefferson alike in their position on ratifying the Constitution?
They both opposed a strong federal government.
Read the following excerpt from Federalist #44 by James Madison.
Had every State a right to regulate the value of its coin, there might be as many different currencies as States, and thus the [trade] among them would be impeded; [unexpected changes] in its value might be made, and thus the citizens of other States be injured, and animosities be kindled among the States themselves. The subjects of foreign powers might suffer from the same cause, and hence the Union be discredited and embroiled by the indiscretion of a single member.
James Madison would most likely agree with the idea that
a national government should be supreme over state governments.
Anti-Federalists argued that
the Constitution would make states less powerful.
Read the excerpt from the Publius.
It may be a reflection on human nature, that such devices
[checks and balances] should be necessary to control the abuses of
government… If men were angels, no government would be
necessary.
—Publius
Which statement summarizes the publication’s view of government?
We need government because people are flawed.
Read the following excerpt from The Objections of the Hon. George Mason to the Proposed Federal Constitution: Addressed to the Citizens of Virginia, written in 1787.
There is no declaration of rights: and the laws of the general government being paramount to the laws and constitutions of the several states, the declarations of rights, in the separate states, are no security.
Based on the excerpt, what does George Mason think the Constitution would need to better protect citizens?
a bill of rights
Read the following excerpt from Federalist #3 by John Jay.
The number of wars which have happened or will happen in the world will always be found to be in proportion to the number and weight of the causes, whether REAL or PRETENDED, which PROVOKE or INVITE them. If this remark be just, it becomes useful to inquire whether so many JUST causes of war are likely to be given by UNITED AMERICA as by DISUNITED America; for if it should turn out that United America will probably give the fewest, then it will follow that in this respect the Union tends most to preserve the people in a state of peace with other nations.
What might John Jay say is a potential danger associated with not ratifying the Constitution?
Separate states are less likely to preserve peace with other nations.
Read the passage.
The regular distribution of power into distinct departments… the representation of the people in the legislature by deputies of their own election: these are… powerful means, by which the excellences of republican government may be retained.
Whose viewpoint does this excerpt reflect?
the viewpoint of those who supported the Constitution
Read the excerpt from The Federal Farmer.
Instead of being thirteen republics, under a federal head, [the
Federalists’ plan] is clearly designed to make us one [unified]
government. . . . Whether such a change can ever be [made] in any
manner; whether it can be [made] without convulsions and civil wars;
whether such a change will not totally destroy the liberties of this
country—time only can determine.
–The Federal Farmer
What best summarizes the point of view the excerpt expresses?
Time will tell if a unified government can be a success or a failure.
Federalists believed a workable government
must separate government into branches.
Unlike the Anti-Federalists, the Federalists believed
the president should have enough power to lead.
Read the excerpt from the Publius.
In framing a government which is to be administered by men over men,
the great difficulty lies in this: you must first enable the
government to control the governed; and in the next place oblige it to
control itself.
—Publius
How would Federalists most likely respond to this?
They would agree and be confident that the Constitution meets those goals.
Read the following excerpt from Federalist #44 by James Madison.
Had every State a right to regulate the value of its coin, there might be as many different currencies as States, and thus the [trade] among them would be impeded; [unexpected changes] in its value might be made, and thus the citizens of other States be injured, and animosities be kindled among the States themselves. The subjects of foreign powers might suffer from the same cause, and hence the Union be discredited and embroiled by the indiscretion of a single member.
According to Madison, ratifying the Constitution would improve the economy by
allowing each state to have its own currency and trade laws???
Read the excerpt from the Centinel.
This hypothesis [separation of powers] supposes human wisdom
competent [capable] to the task of instituting three co-equal orders
in government…If such an organization of power were practicable [able
to be used], how long would it continue? Not a day.
—Centinel
What is the Centinel’s view of the three-party system?
People could not create a fair system with three separate powers.
Federalists believed a strong government would
encourage states to work together.
A faction is a group that
strongly disagrees with another group.
How did Alexander Hamilton and James Madison view the Constitution?
They led those who favored the Constitution.
Why did Anti-Federalists favor a bill of rights?
It would protect individual citizens’ freedoms.
Which best describes Patrick Henry?
He was an Anti-Federalist and opposed the Constitution.
Read the following excerpt from Federalist #3 by John Jay.
The number of wars which have happened or will happen in the world will always be found to be in proportion to the number and weight of the causes, whether REAL or PRETENDED, which PROVOKE or INVITE them. If this remark be just, it becomes useful to inquire whether so many JUST causes of war are likely to be given by UNITED AMERICA as by DISUNITED America; for if it should turn out that United America will probably give the fewest, then it will follow that in this respect the Union tends most to preserve the people in a state of peace with other nations.
What might John Jay say is a potential danger associated with not ratifying the Constitution?
Separate states are less likely to preserve peace with other nations.
What did Anti-Federalists fear would happen if the Constitution became law?
Congress would have too much power over states.
What is the purpose of checks and balances in the Constitution?
They would keep any one branch from having too much power.
What was the Federalists’ view of the Constitution?
They approved of the Constitution.