In a paragraph, compare and contrast the arguments made by the Federalists and the Anti-Federalists at the Constitutional Convention about the benefits and problems of a strong central government.
The Federalists and the Anti-Federalists had opposing viewpoints regarding the benefits and problems of a strong central government. The Federalists, such as Alexander Hamilton and James Madison, believed that a strong central government was necessary to effectively govern the United States and protect the rights of the citizens. They argued that a strong central government would provide stability, allow for collective decision-making, and prevent the abuses of power that were seen under the Articles of Confederation. On the other hand, the Anti-Federalists, including Patrick Henry and Thomas Jefferson, feared that a strong central government would lead to tyranny and the erosion of individual liberties. They argued that power should be decentralized, with more authority retained by the states. The Anti-Federalists believed that a strong central government would limit personal freedoms and could potentially lead to the creation of a ruling elite. Overall, the Federalists believed that a strong central government would bring unity and protect the rights of the people, while the Anti-Federalists feared that it would be a threat to individual liberties.
