Question

read this excerpt from federalist no. 14:

in the first place it is to be remembered that the general government is not to be charged with the whole power of making and administering laws. its jurisdiction is limited to certain enumerated objects, which concern all the members of the republic, but which are not to be attained by the separate provisions of any.¹

what does the excerpt suggest about federalists?

a. they distrusted the idea of giving the federal government too much decision - making power.

b. they were more concerned with protecting individual liberty than with making the government run efficiently.

c. they felt that the constitution as written was insufficient without a bill of rights.

d. they had to defend themselves against accusations that their ideas would lead to a central government that was too strong.

Explanation:

• Analyze Option A: The excerpt says the general government's jurisdiction is limited, but this doesn't mean Federalists distrusted giving it too much power (they supported a strong enough federal gov for national issues). So A is incorrect.
• Analyze Option B: The excerpt focuses on the scope of federal government power, not on the trade - off between individual liberty and government efficiency. So B is not supported.
• Analyze Option C: Federalists generally opposed a bill of rights (Anti - Federalists wanted it), and the excerpt doesn't relate to the need for a bill of rights. So C is incorrect.
• Analyze Option D: The excerpt explains that the federal government's power is limited to certain enumerated objects. This can be seen as a defense against the accusation that their ideas (for a stronger federal government) would lead to an overly strong central government. So D matches the implication of the excerpt.

Answer:

D. They had to defend themselves against accusations that their ideas would lead to a central government that was too strong.