Imagine it is 1787. Like many people living in the United States, you hold strong beliefs about the ratification of the proposed U.S. Constitution and have concerns about how this proposed government will affect your community. Being a civic-minded citizen, you have decided to compile and distribute information about the proposed U.S. Constitution.
Apply your skills of influence and persuasion to create an informational pamphlet or brochure to help the people in your community decide whether or not to oppose or support ratification.
Your pamphlet or brochure should:
Differentiate between the Federalist/Anti-Federalist positions.
Identify 2 concerns each side deemed important.
Explain why the Federalists did not want a Bill of Rights, but the anti-Federalists did.
Defend your viewpoints on the issues.
Sample Solution
Welcome fellow citizens of the United States! As you may know, the proposed U.S. Constitution has been presented to us and it is our duty as civic-minded individuals to decide if we should support or oppose its ratification. In order to make this decision, it is important for us to understand both arguments – those who support the Constitution (the Federalists) and those who are against it (the Anti-Federalists).
Sample Solution
Welcome fellow citizens of the United States! As you may know, the proposed U.S. Constitution has been presented to us and it is our duty as civic-minded individuals to decide if we should support or oppose its ratification. In order to make this decision, it is important for us to understand both arguments – those who support the Constitution (the Federalists) and those who are against it (the Anti-Federalists).
The Federalist position believes that a strong central government is necessary in order for our country to remain stable and prosperous. They argue that with a strong federal government, large projects such as roads can be built more quickly and efficiently while also providing protection from foreign powers. Additionally, they do not believe in having a Bill of Rights because they feel that it would limit the power of the federal government too much and weaken its ability to act on behalf of all citizens.
On the other hand, the Anti-Federalist position argues that a strong centralized government leads to tyranny as there will be less opportunities for people’s voices to be heard when decisions are made at a higher level. Furthermore, they believe strongly in having a Bill of Rights included in the Constitution which guarantees basic rights such as freedom of speech, press, religion etc., so that these liberties cannot easily be taken away by any governing body regardless of their political leanings.
I personally stand with the Federalists on this issue as I think that our current system works just fine without needing drastic changes or additions like those proposed by some anti-federalists. Though I agree with their point about protecting individual liberties through inclusion of a bill rights ,I think doing sets bad precedent potentially lead more laws being passed subsequent weakening federal governments authority carry out tasks required ensure safety well being all Americans . We have seen this happen recently number states pass legislation limiting access certain resources based upon socioeconomic standing . Therefore my opinion ,ratifying constitution currently form best path forward security prosperity United States .
