The ?onstitution Ratification Debates Essay Example

in intense resistance that nearly led to a civil war on July 4th, 1788. Judge William West was instrumental in rallying a thousand armed protesters alongside other Anti-Federalist members in Providence. This division of views saw Alexander Hamilton and James Madison representing the Federalists, who argued against including the Bill of Rights in the Constitution. They believed such inclusion would limit people's rights instead of protecting them. On the contrary, Anti-Federalists expressed concerns that omitting the Bill of Rights would endanger people's liberties and make the Constitution ineffective at safeguarding their rights. They also feared that a stronger central government would encroach on state sovereignty, comparing it to Great Britain from which they had fought for liberation (Brown and Timothy 193).

The Anti-Federalists raised concerns about potential violations of freedoms such as freedom of speech and trial by jury. They also worried that the national government, due to the country's size, would struggle to address the needs of the people at state and local levels. Moreover, they believed that federal courts located far away would face difficulties in ensuring justice for all citizens. On the other hand, the Federalists contended that federal courts had limited jurisdiction, with state and local courts handling most legal matters. Interestingly, it was the Federalists who proposed the Bill of Rights to Congress for approval despite their previous opposition.

If the Federalists had not compromised, the ratification process may not have taken place. The majority of Federalists who supported Constitution ratification were wealthy and well-educated, having considerable power thanks to influential figures such as George Washington and Benjamin Franklin. They had a particular interest in politics and aimed to establish a strong

and centralized government. To advocate for this cause, they created influential political writings known as the Federalist papers that highlighted the significance of a centralized government in earning international respect for the United States (Brown and Timothy 201). In contrast, most Anti-Federalists came from lower socioeconomic backgrounds, with many being farmers or debtors primarily concerned about the economic status of average citizens.

The framers were primarily concerned about the potential for excessive power in the central government, specifically when it came to taxation and its potential negative effects on ordinary citizens. That is why they insisted on including the Bill of Rights in the Constitution, aiming to safeguard the rights and freedoms of the people.

Works Cited

1. Brown, Victoria, and Timothy J. Shannon. Going to the Source: The Bedford Reader in American History. Boston: Bedford/St. Martin's, 2012. Print.
2. Dye, Thomas R., and L H. Zeigler. The Irony of Democracy: An Uncommon Introduction to American Politics.

Boston, MA: Wadsworth Cengage Learning, 2009. Print.

The Staff of Congressional Quarterly. Concise Encyclopedia of Democracy. 2013. Print.