Chapter 2 THE REVOLUTION AND THE CONSTITUTION Institutional Focus: The Constitutional Debate © 2011 Taylor & Francis

The Federalist/Anti-Federalist Debate The proper size and scope of the federal government The debate of the Constitutional Convention (1787) © 2011 Taylor & Francis

The Federalist/Anti-Federalist Debate Federalists' Beliefs Anti-Federalists' Beliefs • Strong central government best protects the people • Need national government to gain respect at home and abroad • Government of checks and balances to limit the use of power • Strong central government will lead to tyranny • Need Bill of Rights to protect individual liberties © 2011 Taylor & Francis

The Federalist/Anti-Federalist Debate Federalists’ Beliefs Anti-Federalists’ Beliefs • Need a national judiciary to interpret the U.S. Constitution a. Determine what the law is b. Least dangerous branch—judicial review of Congress • Judicial activism will occur at national level. National government will become too powerful. © 2011 Taylor & Francis

The Federalist/Anti-Federalist Debate Federalists’ Beliefs Anti-Federalists’ Beliefs • Need strong Executive Branch—President: Conduct diplomacy Commander in Chief Execute laws of the land To be elected indirectly Checked by Congress • President will be too powerful under U.S. Constitution © 2011 Taylor & Francis

The Federalist/Anti-Federalist Debate Federalists’ Beliefs Anti-Federalists’ Beliefs • Thought that the Bill of Rights was not needed due to existing state constitutions • Government of limited powers Only perform duties that are spelled out in Constitution Limited powers—narrowly constructed • States are key to liberty/ freedom • National Constitution will deprive states of authority within their boundaries • Legislative Branch: Powerful Corrupt © 2011 Taylor & Francis

The Federalist/Anti-Federalist Debate Federalists’ Beliefs Anti-Federalists’ Beliefs National government needs independent revenue control in order to address public policy problems. National Army and Navy is needed for unified foreign policy responses and to ensure national sovereignty in security dilemmas. • Financial power of the national government to tax individuals within states is intrusive to states' rights. National government will take away state revenues. • Local militias adequate for defense of individual states. © 2011 Taylor & Francis

The Federalist/Anti-Federalist Debate Federalists’ Beliefs Anti-Federalists’ Beliefs • Pessimistic view of human nature: elite should rule • Favored a powerful national government • Representatives should filter constituency: trustees • Optimistic outlook on human nature: commoners can rule • Favored powerful state governments • Representatives should mirror constituency: delegates © 2011 Taylor & Francis

The Federalist/Anti-Federalist Debate Federalists’ Beliefs Anti-Federalists’ Beliefs • Viewed the Constitution as a means to promote economic growth and protect property rights • Favored order • Viewed the Constitution as tyrannical, leading to corruption because it did not ensure liberty • Favored liberty © 2011 Taylor & Francis

The Federalist/Anti-Federalist Debate Debate instituted a new outlook on government The Founders embraced principles such as: Limited government Representative government Separation of powers Checks and balances. An elected monarch—the President! The Convention sought to modify these principles and add others such as federalism and a written constitution. © 2011 Taylor & Francis

Constitutional Convention Debate

The Culmination of the Debate The Virginia Plan, supported by the Federalists and authored by James Madison, eventually prevailed. The Constitution established: an electoral college to indirectly elect the President, a bicameral congress, a national judiciary, known as the Supreme Court whose members were appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate. This institutional structure including the Bill of Rights comprises the United States Constitution. © 2011 Taylor & Francis

The Culmination of the Debate