Question

If you had to choose sides, would you side with the Federalists or Anti-Federalists? Explain why you sided with the particular group by summarizing, in your own words, their arguments.

Answer 1

I would choose federalist because the people were trying to make the government stronger, and at the time we needed a stronger government as we were just getting going. but we were worried about dictatorship and rulers. so alot of people were against it. 

Answer 2

Debates over the ratification of US constitution started in 1787. Those who supported the constitution were called Federalists, and those who didn't were called Anti Federalists.

Both Federalists and Anti Federalists wanted to preserve liberty, the disagreement between them were about the Federal Govt. Anti-Federalists were afraid that a strong national govt will destroy liberty. The Federalists believed that the National government was necessary to create a perfect union. They believed that the national republic would safeguard individual liberties and minority rights from the infringement of a majority. Sovereignty and structure of the state were also important for them and hence they suggested for a strong central government, which would share powers with the states.

Today if we analyze the functioning of the US government it is clear that the way union has existed for over a hundred years was only possible because of the constitution and strong federal govt. So I would like to have supported the Federalists because they were in favor of the Principle of government by consent and strong federal govt.