Question

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. “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 A reliance on elites is needed to decide the issues of national military power and the economy. The presence of a strong national army would protect the United States against international anarchy. The importance of strong state governments would counterbalance the power of the national government. Alliances with European countries, such as Great Britain, are important.

Answer 1

The excerpt from the Antifederalist writing criticizes the federal government's power to raise and support armies and its control over the militia, arguing that these powers could lead to the consolidation of government and the destruction of liberty. This perspective aligns most closely with the argument that **the importance of strong state governments would counterbalance the power of the national government.**

The fear expressed in the excerpt suggests a concern that a powerful national military could threaten individual liberties and state sovereignty, which supports the Republican stance of advocating for stronger state governments as a way to maintain a balance of power and protect freedoms.