Brutus and other Anti-Federalists had several concerns about the Constitution, primarily centered on the potential for an overly powerful federal government and the implications for individual liberties and the rights of the states. Here are the key concerns related to the statements provided:
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Fear of a Strong Federal Government: They believed that a strong central government could lead to tyranny, undermining the autonomy of individual states and the rights of citizens. They worried that the United States was not too small but rather too large for a single powerful government to effectively represent the diverse interests of all states.
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Lack of Proper Debate: Anti-Federalists feared that the new government would operate too efficiently, curtailing robust public debate and consideration of different viewpoints. They were concerned that swift decision-making could bypass necessary scrutiny and checks, leading to hasty or unjust laws.
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Military Power and Civil Liberties: They were particularly wary of the federal government's power to maintain standing armies during peacetime, which they believed could be used to suppress dissent and infringe on the rights of the people.
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Representation and State Interests: Anti-Federalists were apprehensive that the structure of the government favored larger states, thereby marginalizing the interests of smaller states. They feared that this imbalance would lead to inequitable representation and policies that did not reflect the needs of all states equally.
Overall, these concerns reflect a deep-seated fear of concentrated governmental power and emphasize the importance of preserving individual and state rights.