Chapter two covers the founding of the United States, which includes the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution of the United States. These documents are still relevant to understanding American government today. The Articles of Confederation, while no longer a governing document, provides a historic background to the division and sometimes still conflicting interests of the State and National governments. As you read chapter two, you should read these three important documents (Declaration of Independence, Articles of Confederation, and Constitution). The documents are all located in the textbook. After reading the documents answer the following questions in your essay.
Federalist or Anti-Federalists – Please watch the video Empire of Reason
(https://vimeo.com/231093077), as you are watching evaluate the arguments for and against the Constitution and analyze how those arguments from 200 years ago apply to the United States today.
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1 Anti-Federalists vs. the Federalists Briefly define the competing interests of the federalists and anti-federalists.
2 Identify and one argument of from each side stated in the video and explain the importance of this concern then and now. Please be specific in your identifications and applications.
3 Which position (federalits or anti-federalist) do you find more persuasive and why?
4 What did the United States gain from this debate and what questions have remained?
Your response must be at least 300 words. List all web resources and referenced materials that were used. You must use the APA citation style format in listing references used and in parenthetical citations.
Sample Answer
Sample Answer
The Founding Debate: Federalists vs. Anti-Federalists
The formation of the United States government was marked by a significant ideological clash between two factions: the Federalists and the Anti-Federalists. The Federalists championed a strong centralized government as outlined in the Constitution, advocating for a system that could effectively manage the diverse interests of the growing nation. Conversely, the Anti-Federalists were concerned that such centralization would undermine state sovereignty and individual liberties, fearing that a powerful federal government could lead to tyranny (Empire of Reason, 2017).
One crucial argument presented by the Federalists, as highlighted in the video “Empire of Reason,” is the need for a strong national defense. The Federalists contended that a unified government would be better equipped to protect the nation from external threats and maintain order within. This concern remains pertinent today, as contemporary issues surrounding national security and defense spending continue to dominate political discourse. The balance between adequate defense and civil liberties is a recurring theme in modern American politics, reflecting the very tension that existed at the nation’s founding.
On the other hand, the Anti-Federalists raised significant objections regarding the absence of a Bill of Rights in the original Constitution. They argued that without explicit protections for individual freedoms, citizens would be vulnerable to governmental overreach. This argument resonates strongly today, as ongoing debates about privacy rights, freedom of speech, and governmental surveillance underline the importance of safeguarding individual liberties against potential abuses of power. The subsequent adoption of the Bill of Rights in 1791 was a direct response to these fears and remains a cornerstone of American democracy.
In evaluating both positions, I find the Anti-Federalist perspective more persuasive. Their emphasis on safeguarding individual freedoms speaks to the fundamental principles upon which the United States was founded. The propensity for governmental overreach is a legitimate concern that continues to challenge the balance of power between federal and state authorities.
Ultimately, the debate between Federalists and Anti-Federalists provided foundational lessons for American governance. The United States gained a Constitution designed to balance power while protecting individual rights, but questions about the appropriate scope of government versus individual freedoms persist. These discussions are essential to understanding contemporary governance and continue to shape American political life.
References
Empire of Reason. (2017). [Video]. Retrieved from https://vimeo.com/231093077
