Federalists Anti-Federalists

Question

A Favored a strong national government Feared the tyranny of a strong
national government
B Feared a weak national government Said a “bill of rights” not needed due to
checks on Federal power within the Constitution
C Opposed confederation form of government Feared states would lose power under
the new Constitution
D Drew support from planters, merchants,
and urban dwellers Drew support from small farmers
and rural citizens

Which of these INCORRECTLY describes the Federalist and Anti-Federalist views on government?
Responses

A AA

B BB

C C

D D

Answer 1

The statement that incorrectly describes the Federalist and Anti-Federalist views on government is:

B - "Said a “bill of rights” not needed due to checks on Federal power within the Constitution"

While the Federalists did argue that a Bill of Rights was not necessary because the powers of the federal government were limited by the Constitution, it is not accurate to say that this was a universal statement among all Federalists. Many Federalists felt that a Bill of Rights was indeed important for protecting individual liberties, and it became a significant point of compromise leading to the eventual adoption of the Bill of Rights. Therefore, this characterization may misrepresent the nuances of the debate at that time.