Question

federalist or anti-federalist?
directions: read the following quotes. for each one, determine if the author was a federalist or anti-federalist. then include at least two reasons you know their political stance from the quote.
\i had rather be a free citizen of the small republic of massachusetts, than an oppressed subject of the great american empire\

\when a building is to be erected which is intended to stand for ages, the foundation should be firmly laid. the constitution proposed to your acceptance is designed, not for yourselves alone, but for generations yet unborn. the principles, therefore, upon which the social compact is founded, ought to have been clearly and precisely stated, and the most express and full declaration of rights to have been made. but on this subject there is almost an entire silence.\

the house of representatives . . . can make no law which will not have its full operation on themselves and their friends, as well as the great mass of society. this has always been deemed considered one of the strongest bonds by which human policy can connect the rulers and the people together. it creates between them that communion of interest, and sympathy of sentiments, of which few governments have furnished examples; but without which every government degenerates falls backwards into tyranny.\

\our country is too large to have all its affairs directed by a single government. public servants at such a distance, and from under the eye of their constituents, must, from the circumstance of distance, be unable to administer direct and overlook all the details necessary for the good government of the citizens.\

Explanation:

1. For the first quote:

• Anti-Federalists feared a large, centralized federal government would strip citizens of freedoms. This speaker prioritizes a small state republic over a national "empire," aligning with Anti-Federalist views.
• Reason 1: Rejects large national government for small state.
• Reason 2: Frames national rule as oppressive, a core Anti-Federalist concern.

1. For the second quote:

• Anti-Federalists demanded a bill of rights to protect individual liberties, arguing the original Constitution lacked this critical safeguard. This speaker criticizes the Constitution's silence on a formal declaration of rights.
• Reason 1: Highlights missing bill of rights in the Constitution.
• Reason 2: Argues clear rights are needed for a lasting government, an Anti-Federalist demand.

1. For the third quote:

• Federalists believed a representative government that shares the same laws as the people would prevent tyranny, as elected officials are bound by the same rules as citizens. This speaker emphasizes this shared accountability as a check on oppression.
• Reason 1: Argues shared laws link rulers and people.
• Reason 2: Notes this bond stops government from becoming tyrannical, a Federalist argument.

1. For the fourth quote:

• Anti-Federalists argued the U.S. was too large for a single central government to govern effectively, as distant officials could not address local citizen needs. This speaker echoes this concern about size and distant governance.
• Reason 1: Claims the country is too large for one government.
• Reason 2: States distant officials cannot manage local citizen needs well.

Answer:

1. Quote 1: Anti-Federalist
2. Quote 2: Anti-Federalist
3. Quote 3: Federalist
4. Quote 4: Anti-Federalist