Author Question: Describe the Antifederalists and evaluate their objections to the Constitution. Do you believe their ... (Read 67 times)

rmenurse · **on:** Jul 10, 2018

Describe the Antifederalists and evaluate their objections to the Constitution. Do you believe their fears were warranted? Why or why not?

Answer:

Question 2

Interpret the Articles of Confederation as a guide for democracy in the United States. Were they successful? Why or why not?

Answer:

mariahkathleeen · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 10, 2018

Answer to Question 1

An ideal response will:
1. Define Antifederalists as those who opposed ratification of the new Constitution and the prospect of a strong central government. They expressed concerns that Congress might obstruct commerce and that infrequent elections might prevent turnover of elected officials. Thus, government officials would be less concerned with their constituents.
2. Note that Antifederalists characterized the Constitution as an aristocratic document. They also noted that the Constitution did not include a bill of rights to protect the citizenry.
3. Argue whether or not the fears of the Antifederalists were warranted. If arguing that the fears were warranted, note that government can be too strong and authoritative. Citizens are sometimes deprived of their rights. Or, oppressive regulation might impede commerce. If arguing that the Antifederalists' concerns were not warranted, provide support for this assertion. For example, in the United States, protections against government tyranny are widespread. Citizens do have many protections in the Bill of Rights. Additionally, citizens can elect officials and throw them out of office if they are not satisfied.

Answer to Question 2

An ideal response will:
1. Discuss how the Articles of Confederation were designed to restrict a strong centralized government that might tyrannize the people. For example, the Confederation has been described as a fragile league of friendship among states. The nation lacked a national executive, judiciary, or single national currency. The national government had little to no authority over the citizens and relied on the states in matters ranging from taxation to interpreting and enforcing the laws.
2. Describe how, because of the deficiencies, the Articles of Confederation were largely unsuccessful. In the interest of protecting the citizens from government, the country under the Articles of Confederation was ineffective in providing for the citizens or regulating economic issues among the states.