Anti federalists Argument Towards The Constitution

Some well-known anti-federalists during that period include George Mason, Elbridge Gerry, Patrick Henry and George Clinton. At the time of inception of the US constitution, anti-federalists were apprehensive about the concept called ‘Constitution’. Several arguments were made by them that challenged the adequacy of the constitution.

The first notable argument was presented by Brutus regarding the nature of the Government and its composition. The question was whether it was better to form a government with a united republic of 13 states or a government formed as a confederation of 13 small republics was better. Brutus was apprehensive that if a government is a united republic, it would mean that leaders are provided with extensive powers leading to greater chances of corruption and loss of freedom for the US citizens.

The next important argument was about the form of government. The question put forward by anti-federalists was whether the constitution approved the already existing federal form of government or is planning to introduce a national form of government. The primary difference in both these forms is in the way the officers of the government are regulated by the people. In a federal form, the power is indirectly transferred from the people. In a national form, the power is directly transferred.

All the arguments made by anti-federalists were dealt competently by James Madison, one individual who was primarily responsible for the emergence of the US Constitution and is also the author of the US constitution.