"All men having power ought to be mistrusted."—James Madison
Imagine you are a representative to a state legislature meeting, debating the proposed Constitution. You have just read this quote in a newspaper essay. Which of the following is the best description of how you would respond?
A. If you were a Federalist, you would use the quote to support your argument that a single, centralized government is the best form of government.
B. If you were an Anti-federalist, you would use the quote to support your argument that a confederation of sovereign states is the best form of government.
C. If you were a Federalist, you would use the quote to support your argument that the existing Constitution is not enough of a safeguard against abuse of power.
D. If you were an Anti-federalist, you would use the quote to support your argument that only a pure democracy of local governments is the best government.