To What Extent And How Did The Anti-Federalists Agree On A New Constitution

Jake, Kiara, Miah, and Danny
Unit 2 Question 1
How did the Anti-Federalists and Federalists agree on a new Constitution? Delegates met at the Philadelphia Convention in 1787 to amend the Articles of Confederation. The idea of having a strong national government divided people either in support or against the new Constitution. Anti-Federalists voiced their objections to the proposed Constitution as they feared a strong central government.
The Anti-Federalists had objections to the proposed Constitution that were shaped by their political philosophies. Their three biggest concerns included a Republican Government, the president, and the lack of Bill of Rights. Anti-Federalists agreed that a republican government was the only form of government

They believed this form of government was too distant from the people. To have a republican government, virtuous citizens would be required. They insisted that in a republic the people are sovereign and for those people to make good decisions they would need to be virtuous. And according to Anti-Federalists, it was less likely to have people like this in a large nation than a small state. It was then argued that a president; someone equipped with power to nominate judicial officers, pardon for the offense of treason, and armed forces at his disposal, would resemble a “elective King”. This point was made by Luther Martin and it was reflecting the fears that were a result of the experience Americans had with the British Monarchy. Many were shocked that there was no Bill of Rights in the ratification of the Constitution.

Federalists argued that “energy in the executive is the first prerequisite of good government” as it needed power to enforce laws, and provide protection against attacks. Having one executive serve for four years avoided conflict between two or more leaders of equal power, allowing the president to “act quickly when necessary for the common defense to preserve the public peace and in international relations.” The four year term helps the president “resist momentary impulses and act on the basis of the long-term calculations of the public good.” Federalists also believed the executive should be elected by an electoral college. This would solve the dispute between those who wanted to use the popular vote and those who wanted to use state legislatures to choose. The Bill of Rights was another topic the Federalists discussed. In a political system where government authority is derived from the people, adding the Bill of Rights “might afford the pretext for the government to claim power if it doesn’t have on the ground.” It would provide protection against powers that have not been granted. In addition, Federalists argued the liberties listed in the Bill of Rights were included in the guarantee of habeas corpus, and prohibition of ex post facto laws. To adopt these provisions, states ratified the