Author Question: How did state constitutions produce a more democratic society? What will be an ideal response? (Read 54 times)

james · **on:** Sep 12, 2019

Question 1

What were the primary fears of the Antifederalists? Were they justified?

What will be an ideal response?

Question 2

How did state constitutions produce a more democratic society?

What will be an ideal response?

aprice35067 · **Reply #1 on:** Sep 12, 2019

Answer 1

ANSWER: The Antifederalists objected mostly to the unusual and unchecked concentration of power lodged in the central government. They specifically objected to the indirect representation of voters, both by the executive and the Congress. They were also troubled by the sheer size of the new republic and the dangers of self-interested factionalism replacing civic virtue and responsibility.

Answer 2

ANSWER: Students should immediately point out that the Revolution itself produced a more democratic society. Because historical conditions and legacies differed from state to state, the degree to which state constitutions affected the growth of American democracy varied. For example, Pennsylvania's constitution eliminated property ownership as a requirement to obtain the franchise, while most states ratified constitutions that provided for a separation of powers and limited the right to vote to property owners.