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Struggles to Ratify the Constitution
Anti-Federalist were in agreeance of revamping the Articles of Confederation, but were
not in agreeance with completely disregarding its structure. The Anti-Federalist wanted
independence, self-governance, as well as their individual liberty protected on a local level
(McClellan, 1989). Their main objection where the Constitution was concerned was strong
central government and the representatives having too much power. Federalist had an opposite
view point, and did not feel there was significance in the makeup of the Bill of Rights. However,
the Anti-Federalist pushed for protection of one’s individual rights. This viewpoint was agreed
upon by many, and an example of such was Patrick Henry who stated, “Your President may
easily become a king” (Henry, 2011).
American political thought overtakes the principles of one’s individual liberties, justice
and order. The only thing the Anti-Federalist and Federalist agreed upon was that a national
government was needed to make that happen. The viewpoint shared by the Federalist share the
intention of American political thought. The viewpoint of an Anti-Federalist support one’s
liberty, but it would not succeed at created order and justice. The Federalist did agree with
including the Bill of Rights as they felt the Constitution already included individual liberties and
freedom. The Federalist’s intention was to create a strong government. Each state having its own
power that was stronger than the national government inevitably creates turmoil and confusion,
which is the opposite of order and justice. It is important to have a leader who is about order and
justice, just as God’s Word states, “So he shepherded them according to the integrity of his heart,
And guided them by the skillfulness of his hands” (New King James Bible, 1769/1982, Psalm
78:72).
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Currently, Joe Biden’s American Families Plan has federal involvement that have been
proposed by Federalist. This Plan also supports issues presented from an Anti-Federalist
viewpoint. This Plan increases federal spending regarding healthcare and wellness by also
increasing taxes on the wealthy. Supporting society as a whole and their health and wellness
support the ideas of the Federalist. This additionally proves the benefits of a strong national
government. Although, there is also proof of a weaker federal government in this Plan. This Plan
is said to benefit the federal government due to leaving families with less freedom (Fishpaw, et
al., 2021). This further supports the controversy given by the Anti-Federalist based on the
stronger federal government, the less freedoms the states and society as a whole have.
References
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Henry, P. (2011). In McClellan, J. (Pub.), Liberty, Order, and Justice: An Introduction to the
Constitutional Principles of American Government. (pg. 304- 317). Online Library of Liberty.
Retrieved from http://oll.libertyfund.org
New King James Bible. (1982) Thomas Nelson. (Original work published 1769)
Fishpaw, M., Burke, L. M., Badger, D., Dickerson, M. D., Ford, L., Greszler, R., & Rector, R.
(2021, May 11). 5 things you need to know about Biden's $1.8 trillion American families
plan. The Heritage Foundation. Retrieved from https://www.heritage.org/budget-and-
spending/commentary/5-things-you-need-know-about-bidens-18-trillion-american-families
