Question

Excerpt from a Speech by George Mason

Does any man suppose, that one general National Government can exist in so extensive a country as this? I hope that a Government may be framed which may suit us, by drawing the line between the general and State Governments, and prevent that dangerous clashing of interest and power, which must, as it now stands, terminate in the destruction of one or the other. When we come to the Judiciary, we shall be more convinced, that this Government will terminate in the annihilation of the State Governments: The question then will be, whether a consolidated Government can preserve the freedom, and secure the great rights of the people.

—George Mason, 1788


Use the passage to answer the question.

This excerpt is from a speech by a(n) __ Federalist / Anti-Federalist___ in favor of a strong / weaker central government. He fears that a national government will ____threaten / secure_____ the rights of individuals. He will ____likely sign / not sign_____ the Constitution.

Answer 1

Anti-Federalist, weaker, threaten, not sign

Step-by-step explanation:

The Americans who objected to the creation of stronger US federal government and opposed the ratification of the US constitution of 1787 were known as anti-federalists.

The anti-federalists believed that the constitution granted too much power to the federal government and hence it could easily encroach upon the powers of states and the rights of the people. Patrick Henry was the man who led the Anti-federalists, other leaders were James Winthrop and George Mason. Their major contribution was that they got the Bill of Rights added to the constitution.