Question

Which of the following is a true statement regarding the debates over ratifying the Constitution?

A. The Anti-Federalists believed the states would have too much power, but the Federalists argued there was a stronger central government.
B. The Federalists supported a limited government, but the Anti-Federalists argued that the states were not limited enough.
C. The Anti-Federalists believed the central government would undermine state governments, but the Federalists argued there was a checks and balances system.
D. The Federalists demanded more written protection for individual rights, but the Anti-Federalists did not support the addition.

Answer 1

C. The Anti-Federalists believed the central government would undermine state governments, but the Federalists argued there was a checks and balances system.

The statement C is true regarding the debates over ratifying the Constitution. During the debates, the Anti-Federalists expressed concerns that the proposed central government under the Constitution would overpower and undermine the authority of the individual state governments. They feared that the new government would concentrate too much power in the hands of a few and neglect the interests and rights of the states. In response, the Federalists argued that the Constitution included a system of checks and balances that would prevent any one branch of government from becoming too powerful and would safeguard the autonomy and sovereignty of the states. They believed that a balanced central government was necessary to address the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation and to ensure a more effective and cohesive union.