In Lesson 5, we discussed the opposing views of the Federalists and Anti-Federalists. They had opposing views on ratification, government, individual liberties, and the economy. You will be selecting from the list of opposing views to complete this question. Please be sure to answer all parts of the question below in your own words.

Question

Opposing Views:

Ratification of the Constitution

Strength of the federal government

Individual liberties (Should protecting freedoms be up to the government or should a Bill of Rights be included in the Constitution?)

The economy (Should more emphasis be placed on big business or farming?)



Answer the following:

Part 1: Select ONE opposing view from the list above.

Part 2: IN YOUR OWN WORDS, explain the Federalists opinion on that view.

Part 3: IN YOUR OWN WORDS, explain the Anti-Federalists opinion on that view.

Part 4: Explain in at least two sentences, which side you agree with and why?



Rubric:

1 Point: The opposing view you selected

1 Points: The Federalists opinion on that view.

1 Points: The Anti-Federalists opinion on that view.

2 Points: Your chosen side AND explanation.

1 Point: Correct grammar, punctuation, and spelling

Answer 1

Part 1: Opposing View Selected
I have selected the view concerning individual liberties and whether a Bill of Rights should be included in the Constitution.

Part 2: Federalists' Opinion
The Federalists believed that the Constitution itself was sufficient to protect individual liberties. They argued that the structure of the new government, with its system of checks and balances, would prevent any one branch from becoming too powerful and infringing on individual rights. Federalists contended that including a Bill of Rights was unnecessary and could even be dangerous since it might imply that any rights not explicitly listed were not protected.

Part 3: Anti-Federalists' Opinion
The Anti-Federalists strongly felt that individual liberties needed explicit protection in the form of a Bill of Rights. They worried that without clear guarantees, citizens would be vulnerable to government overreach and tyranny. Anti-Federalists believed that the government could easily abuse its power and that a Bill of Rights was essential to ensure that specific freedoms, such as speech, religion, and assembly, were protected against potential infringements.

Part 4: Personal Agreement and Explanation
I agree with the Anti-Federalists on the necessity of a Bill of Rights. I believe that having explicit protections for individual liberties is crucial in safeguarding citizens from government infringement and ensuring that fundamental rights are recognized and respected. History has shown us that without clear protections, there is a risk of authorities overstepping their bounds, making a Bill of Rights an essential part of any government framework.