Question

how did the perspective of the federalists differ from that of the antifederalists?

select an answer

a. the federalists feared a government that could become too aristocratic where a few would tyrannize the many, while the antifederalists feared tyranny over the few by the many.

b. the federalists asserted that representatives must be a true picture of the people, while the antifederalists believed that government did not necessarily need to reflect the people.

c. the federalists supported granting the state governments an absolute veto right over all legislation, while the antifederalists were opposed to an absolute veto right being granted to the state governments.

d. while the federalists supported a stronger national government, the antifederalists favored limited government.

Explanation:

Analyze the core ideological differences

The Federalists advocated for a stronger, more centralized national government to maintain order and economic stability, believing that a large republic with checks and balances would protect liberty. In contrast, the Antifederalists favored keeping power localized within state governments, fearing that a strong central authority would inevitably become tyrannical and threaten individual liberties.

Evaluate the given options

• Option A reverses the two groups' fears: the Antifederalists feared an aristocratic national government tyrannizing the many, while the Federalists (such as Madison in Federalist No. 10) were highly concerned about the "tyranny of the majority" (the many tyrannizing the few).
• Option B reverses representation views: the Antifederalists argued that representatives must be a "true picture" of the people, whereas Federalists believed representatives should be elite trustees.
• Option C is historically inaccurate: Federalists did not support state vetoes over national legislation.
• Option D correctly and directly summarizes their fundamental disagreement regarding the scope and power of the national government.

Answer:

• (A) The Federalists feared a government that could become too aristocratic where a few would tyrannize the many, while the Antifederalists feared tyranny over the few by the many.
• (B) The Federalists asserted that representatives must be a true picture of the people, while the Antifederalists believed that government did not necessarily need to reflect the people.
• (C) The Federalists supported granting the state governments an absolute veto right over all legislation, while the Antifederalists were opposed to an absolute veto right being granted to the state governments.
• (D) While the Federalists supported a stronger national government, the Antifederalists favored limited government. (Correct answer)