Civics_Ch2_ratification-debate

=**Selected Arguments of Anti-Federalists, and Rebuttal**=

**__Arguments of the Anti-Federalists, and Rebuttals of the Federalists__**

 * **//__Anti-Federalists__//**: History has shown that the republican form of government works best in small areas, where the citizens are similar in wealth and values. Those people are more likely to have the civic virtues necessary for working towards the common good of their area. These United States cover a vast amount of territory, and includes very diverse people with many different interests. They will not be able to agree on what is necessary for the good of all states.
 * **//__Federalists:__//** History has shown that small republics are destroyed by the self-serving interests of a few, rather than all working towards the common good. An organized central government with checks and balances and with power divided between the federal and state governments will work. This form of government will make it difficult for special interest groups to pursue their objectives against the will of the people.


 * **//__Anti-Federalists__//**: Under the Constitution as written, too much power is given to the federal government, and too much power is taken away from the states. The //Supremacy Clause// makes all federal laws superior to the laws of each state, opening the door to the destruction of state sovereignty.
 * **//__Federalists__//**//:// The federal government will have more power under the new Constitution than it did under the Articles of Confederation; however, those powers are limited. The only tasks the federal government may address are those that affect the nation as a whole, such as defense, trade, and currency. A strong central government is necessary in order to complete those tasks. The Constitution will protect the governments of the individual states.


 * **//__Anti-Federalists__//**: The //Necessary and Proper Clause// is too vague, and can be interpreted in too many ways. This clause gives too much power to the federal government – there are many dangers of the federal government using this clause to gain more power over the states and individuals. There must be a list clearly defining the powers of the federal government, in order to place clear limits upon it.
 * **//__Federalists__//**//:// The //Necessary and Proper Clause// is needed, so that the federal government is able to address the tasks for which it is responsible.


 * **//__Anti-Federalists__//**: The Constitution provides the Executive branch of the federal government with too much power, enabling it to potentially become a form of monarchy.
 * **//__Federalists__//**//:// The Executive branch of the federal government needs to be strong, so that it can perform its duties. The federal government is divided into three branches, with checks and balances, so that no one branch can overpower the others.


 * **//__Anti-Federalists__//**: A free and republic government must have the active involvement of the people it represents. The seat of the federal government is too far away from the majority of the people, which prevents them from being active participants. This can lead to tyranny.
 * **//__Federalists__//**//:// The federal government will be effective and fair in protecting the rights of the states and of the people, thus earning their trust. The limits imposed upon the federal government through the separation of powers and checks and balances will prevent it from becoming tyrannical.


 * **//__Anti-Federalists__//**//:// There is no list of rights held by the people and states in the Constitution. Such a list is necessary to protect the people from abuses by the federal government.
 * **//__Federalists__//**//:// There is no need for a list of rights guaranteed to the individual and the states. The powers of the federal government are limited, and to include such a listing would suggest that the individual can only expect to have those rights listed protected.

What were some of the arguments given by Federalists and Anti-Federalists?