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Are there any shared beliefs between the Federalists and the Antifederalists in New York? How might these contribute to Smith's decision to vote yes on ratification?

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In New York during the ratification debates, there were some shared beliefs between the Federalists and Antifederalists, which might have influenced Smith's decision to vote yes on ratification. Both groups generally agreed on certain principles:

1. Protection of Individual Rights: Both Federalists and Antifederalists were concerned about protecting individual rights. They believed that a strong government should not infringe on the rights and liberties of citizens.

2. Republican Government: Both groups favored a republican form of government where power is derived from the people. They were generally in agreement that the government should be accountable to the citizens.

3. Opposition to Monarchy: Federalists and Antifederalists were united in their opposition to the re-establishment of a monarchy in the United States. They had just fought a revolution to gain independence from monarchical rule and were keen on preventing its return.

Smith, in this context, might have been influenced by the assurance that the new Constitution would protect individual rights and prevent the establishment of a monarchy. His decision to vote "yes" on ratification could have been based on the belief that the Constitution, with the promised Bill of Rights, would provide a balance between a strong federal government and individual freedoms, addressing the concerns shared by both Federalists and Antifederalists.



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User Dsmith
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Both Federalists and Anti-Federalists shared beliefs in the inadequacy of the Articles of Confederation, the desire for a stronger union, and the protection of individual liberties and rights.

An individual like Smith might vote yes on the Constitution's ratification if convinced that a stronger federal government would best address these issues.

The addition of a Bill of Rights could also have alleviated concerns about potential governmental overreach.

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