Question

Below, compare and contrast the philosophies of the Federalists and the Anti-Federalists that emerged during the time period of the Constitutional Convention through the ratification of the U.S. Constitution (roughly the late 1780s). In your answer, make sure to also include how the philosophies of both parties were reflective of the American society of the time.

Answer 1

The Federalist and the Anti-Federalist philosophies are compared and contrasted below.

Step-by-step explanation:

Federalists believed in a strong Federal government which they believed would keep the states under the control and reduce any conflicts. Anti-federalists on the other hand believed that the states should get more power and that the power of the Federal government needs to be limited. Federalists feared the mob rule and factions because America had more factions during the time of independence and it was always the fear of the federalists that only a strong federal government could control the impact of these factions. Anti-federalists on the other hand feared that a strong federalism would lead to dictatorship and power of few people. Federalists wanted to have a loose interpretation of the constitution which means the constitution is meant for change as and when the society and the government want it to be changed. Anti-federalists on the other hand were not in favor of changing the constitution because they felt it would lead to very weak country because anyone could change the base of the country. Thus, federalists and anti-federalists tried to influence the American population of that time but when it came to the Independence War, everyone came together because everyone believed in freedom and liberty which they believed would liberate them from the oppression of the British.