Question

excerpt
after listing the numerous powers granted to congress by the constitution the author says:
my object is to consider that undefined, unbounded and immense power which is comprised in the following clause: and to make all laws which shall be necessary and proper for carrying into execution the foregoing powers, and all other powers vested by this constitution in the government of the united states; or in any department or offices thereof. under such a clause as this, can anything be said to be reserved and kept back from congress? ... in giving such immense, such unlimited powers, was there no necessity of a bill of rights, to secure to the people their liberties? is it not evident that we are left wholly dependent on the wisdom and virtue of the men who shall from time to time be the members of congress? and who shall be able to say seven years hence, the members of congress will be wise and good men, or of the contrary character?
text questions

1. what words does the author use to describe the powers in the constitution?
2. does the necessary and proper clause quoted in this excerpt comfort or upset the author? why?
3. does the author believe a bill of rights is necessary? yes or no?
4. does the author trust the future members of congress? why does this matter?

big question

1. is this author a federalist or anti - federalist? how can you tell? (use at least two pieces of the text to help you answer this.

Explanation:

1. The author uses words like "undefined", "unbounded", "immense", "unlimited" to describe the powers.
2. The author is upset as the Necessary and Proper Clause gives Congress vast, seemingly unrestricted powers, leaving people dependent on Congress - members' wisdom.
3. Yes, the author believes a bill of rights is necessary to secure people's liberties as they are left wholly dependent on Congress members' wisdom and virtue.
4. The author does not trust future members of Congress as they question whether members seven - years hence will be wise and good or of contrary character. This matters because people's liberties are at stake depending on Congress members' qualities.

For the big question, the author is an Anti - Federalist. First, the concern about the vast, undefined powers given to Congress without a Bill of Rights is a common Anti - Federalist stance. Second, the doubt about the future wisdom and virtue of Congress members shows a lack of trust in the new central government, which is characteristic of Anti - Federalist views.

Answer:

1. Undefined, unbounded, immense, unlimited.
2. Upset. The clause gives Congress too much power, leaving people dependent on Congress members' wisdom.
3. Yes. To secure people's liberties as they are dependent on Congress members' wisdom and virtue.
4. No. Questions whether future members will be wise and good. People's liberties depend on Congress members' qualities.

Big Question: Anti - Federalist. Concern about Congress powers without Bill of Rights and lack of trust in future Congress members.