Question

Which of these statements would a Federalist most likely agree with?

a. "Too much power will be placed in the hands of elites who will work to enrich themselves."
b. "This Constitution needs a bill of rights added to protect individual liberties."
c. "The federal government should not have the power to tax citizens."
d. "The nation will not last very long without the power to properly defend itself."

Answer 1

A Federalist would agree with the statement emphasizing the necessity of a strong federal government to properly defend the nation. They believed that a strong central government was essential for stability and protection and that the Constitution's checks and balances would prevent tyranny.

Step-by-step explanation:

Understanding the Federalist Perspective

A Federalist would most likely agree with the statement: "The nation will not last very long without the power to properly defend itself." Federalists, such as Alexander Hamilton and James Madison, argued for a strong central government to ensure the nation's stability and defense. They believed that the Constitution provided sufficient protection for individual liberties without the need for a Bill of Rights, as outlined by Hamilton in Federalist No. 84, and that a too-powerful government would be prevented by the checks and balances system as described in Federalist No. 51.

Moreover, Madison's discussions in Federalist No. 10 emphasized that a diverse republic would prevent the rise of factions controlling the government. Federalists contended that elected representatives would naturally serve the interests of the nation and argued against the need for a Bill of Rights, emphasizing that such a designation of rights might imply that rights not listed were not protected.