Articles of Confederation
Lacking the power to tax, the Articles of Confederation government struggled to maintain this crucial element for national defense. 1
Standing Army
A major concern of the Anti-Federalists was the lack of this in the proposed Constitution, designed to protect individual liberties.
Bill of Rights
The essays aimed to defend the principles of this document.
The Constitution
"We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union..."
Constitution
This principle divides governmental power among three branches these three branches.
Legislative, Executive and Judicial
This meeting, initially intended to revise the Articles, ultimately led to the drafting of the United States Constitution.
Constitutional Convention
Anti-Federalists feared that the Constitution created a national government that was too..
Powerful
Federalist No. 51 discusses this principle of government, dividing power among different branches.
Separation of powers (checks and balances)
"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness."
Declaration of Independence
This article of the Constitution establishes the legislative branch.
This event, where farmers in Massachusetts rebelled due to economic hardship, highlighted the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation.
Shay's Rebellion
Anti-Federalists argued that the proposed Constitution did not provide for enough of this in the new government, fearing the elite would be overrepresented.
Representation of the common people
Federalist No. 70 argues for a strong one of these, essential for effective governance.
Executive Branch
"A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed."
This Enlightenment philosopher's ideas about natural rights and the social contract heavily influenced the Declaration of Independence
John Locke
The Articles of Confederation lacked this essential power, making it difficult for the government to raise revenue.
This is what the Anti-Federalists believed should hold the most power in government.
State Governments
Federalist papers were written to achieve this goal.
Ratification of the Constitution
Bill of Rights
This amendment, protecting freedom of speech and religion, reflects Enlightenment ideals of individual liberty and tolerance.
First Amendment
The Articles of Confederation were difficult to amend, requiring this level of agreement among the states.
Unanimous consent (all 13 states)
The Anti-Federalists feared that the proposed Constitution would lead to this form of government.
Tyranny
The Federalist Papers explained how this system, where different branches of government can limit each other's power, prevents tyranny.
Checks and Balances
"Each state retains its sovereignty, freedom, and independence, and every power, jurisdiction, and right, which is not by this confederation expressly delegated to the United States, in Congress assembled."
Articles of Confederation
The 3/5th Compromise was about what dilemma.