Question

question 16

which of the following statements might have been said by an anti-federalist?

• \a pure democracy would devolve into mob rule and the blind following of tyrants.\
• \dividing the federal government into three branches will sufficiently protect our individual liberties.\
• \our nation is not large enough to necessitate or benefit from a republican form of government.\
• \a strong central government will concentrate too much power in the hands of an elite few.\

Explanation:

Analyze Anti-Federalist core beliefs

The Anti-Federalists opposed the ratification of the 1787 U.S. Constitution because they feared a strong national government. They believed a powerful central authority would threaten state sovereignty and individual liberties, eventually concentrating power in the hands of a wealthy, aristocratic elite.

Evaluate the given statements

• "A pure democracy would devolve into mob rule and the blind following of tyrants." This reflects a common Federalist concern (such as those expressed by James Madison in the Federalist Papers) regarding the dangers of direct democracy and factions, rather than a core Anti-Federalist argument against the Constitution.
• "Dividing the federal government into three branches will sufficiently protect our individual liberties." This is a Federalist argument supporting the system of checks and balances. Anti-Federalists argued that separation of powers alone was insufficient and demanded a formal Bill of Rights.
• "Our nation is not large enough to necessitate or benefit from a republican form of government." This is historically inaccurate; both sides supported republicanism, but Anti-Federalists argued that a republic could only succeed in a small, localized territory, not a massive nation.
• "A strong central government will concentrate too much power in the hands of an elite few." This directly aligns with the Anti-Federalist critique that the proposed Constitution lacked adequate safeguards against oligarchy and centralized tyranny.

Identify the correct option

The fourth statement accurately captures the primary Anti-Federalist objection to the concentration of power in a national government.

Answer:

• "A pure democracy would devolve into mob rule and the blind following of tyrants."
• "Dividing the federal government into three branches will sufficiently protect our individual liberties."
• "Our nation is not large enough to necessitate or benefit from a republican form of government."
• "A strong central government will concentrate too much power in the hands of an elite few." (Correct answer)