Use the except from an antifederalist writing on the U.S. Constitution’s division of power between the national and state governments to answer the question.

Question

“It might be here shewn, that the power in the federal legislative, to raise and support armies at pleasure, as well in peace as in war, and their control over the militia, tend, not only to a consolidation of the government, but the destruction of liberty. —I shall not, however, dwell upon these, as a few observations upon the judicial power of this government, in addition to the preceding, will fully evince the truth of the position....”

Which Republican argument would this most likely support?

(1 point)
Responses

The presence of a strong national army would protect the United States against international anarchy.
The presence of a strong national army would protect the United States against international anarchy.

Alliances with European countries, such as Great Britain, are important.
Alliances with European countries, such as Great Britain, are important.

The importance of strong state governments would counterbalance the power of the national government.
The importance of strong state governments would counterbalance the power of the national government.

A reliance on elites is needed to decide the issues of national military power and the economy.

Answer 1

The argument presented in the excerpt reflects concerns about the potential for a strong central government to undermine liberties, particularly through military power. Therefore, the argument it most likely supports is:

The importance of strong state governments would counterbalance the power of the national government.

This choice aligns with the Antifederalist perspective that highlights the danger of concentrated power in a national army, advocating instead for a structure that allows state governments to maintain more authority and mitigate the risks of tyranny.