The United States of America has a long history of many disputes between various groups. Among such disputes concerned ratification of the Constitution, with anti-federalists finding it dangerous and federalists promoting its advantageous nature. First, anti-federalists were against the legislation since the president would have too much authority and would remind a monarchical authority (Miloszewski, 2021). On the other hand, federalists did not agree with the given statement, claiming that while there were some similarities, the power of the president was significant and required for the new country (Miloszewski, 2021). They contended that while the monarchs had near limitless influence, the president had restricted power that was constrained by other branches of government. According to federalists, Congress and citizens would hold the president accountable.
Furthermore, anti-federalists disagreed with the ratification since the Constitution would remove authority from the states. Anti-federalists claimed that the country would be once again a dictatorship, similar to how it was with Britain having control over America (Miloszewski, 2021). On the other hand, federalists stated that only the new Constitution would protect the nation that was already crumbling (Miloszewski, 2021). Moreover, the anti-federalists argued that the citizens would not be able to participate in administration because of the undemocratic nature of the Constitution (Miloszewski, 2021). Yet, the federalists emphasized the availability of a checks and balances system in the Constitution that would safeguard both the underprivileged and the powerful.
Another point made by anti-federalists concerned slavery and the absence of any rights that should be granted to people. To this, federalists answered that the Bill of Rights was not required for prosperity and that slavery was essential for adequately functioning the country’s economy (Miloszewski, 2021). In this sense, the anti-federalists emphasized that the role of Congress is immense in legislation, and that such power might even lead to massive destruction. Yet, federalists claimed that the sovereignty of the authorities was necessary to establish a government with delegated powers (Miloszewski, 2021). Hence, anti-federalists were afraid of citizens having little to no influence on what was happening in the country, while federalists claimed that this would strengthen the nation.
Reference
Miloszewski, N. (2019). Federalists and anti-Federalists. Rosen Publishing Group.