Question

In a 7th grade response In a paragraph, compare and contrast the arguments made by the Federalists and the Anti-Federalists at the Constitutional Convention about the benefits and problems of a strong central government.
(4 points)

Answer 1

At the Constitutional Convention, Federalists and Anti-Federalists had different views on a strong central government. Federalists, like Alexander Hamilton and James Madison, argued that a strong central government was essential for maintaining order, handling trade, and defending the nation against threats. They believed that a powerful national government could ensure stability and protect the rights of citizens more effectively than individual states could. On the other hand, Anti-Federalists, such as Patrick Henry and George Mason, feared that a strong central government might lead to tyranny and the loss of individual freedoms. They worried that too much power concentrated in one place could ignore the needs of the states and the people. While Federalists thought a strong government was necessary for unity and security, Anti-Federalists believed it risked overpowering the citizens and undermining their rights. Ultimately, both sides were concerned about how to balance power and protect the liberties of the people.