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Question

In what manner and to what extent did the Federalists and Anti-Federalists disagree over the meaning of republicanism?

Answer

Federalists and Anti-Federalists disagreed over the meaning of republicanism in terms of the role and strength of the central government, the interpretation of the Constitution, and the balance between individual rights and the rights of the states.

  • Q: What is republicanism? A: Republicanism is a political ideology centered on citizenship in a state organized as a republic, under which the people hold popular sovereignty.
  • Q: What did Federalists believe about republicanism? A: Federalists believed in a strong central government, representative democracy, and a loose interpretation of the Constitution.
  • Q: What did Anti-Federalists believe about republicanism? A: Anti-Federalists believed in a weaker central government, direct democracy, and a strict interpretation of the Constitution.
  • Q: How did Federalists and Anti-Federalists disagree over the meaning of republicanism? A: Federalists believed that a strong national government was necessary to protect individual rights and maintain order. Anti-Federalists believed that a strong central government would lead to the oppression of individual rights and freedoms, and preferred a more decentralized approach to government. They also believed in the importance of state sovereignty and local control over governance.