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Difficulty: MediumThe Constitutional Convention and Ratification Debates

"To check the local governments and to control the extensive territory of these United States, the proposed constitution establishes a government whose consolidated powers will eventually swallow up the state legislatures. In a republic of such vast extent, the representatives of the people will soon lose touch with their constituents, becoming an aristocracy detached from the concerns of the common citizen. Without an explicit declaration of rights to shield the individual from the overreach of this new federal head, we are asked to exchange a system of liberty for one of potential tyranny."
—Adapted from an essay by an anonymous writer signing as "Cincinnatus," 1787

Which of the following arguments from the ratification debates is most directly supported by the excerpt?

  1. The new federal government under the Constitution would become too centralized and distant, threatening local self-governance and individual freedoms.Answer
  2. B
    The Articles of Confederation had successfully resolved national debt issues by granting the confederation congress the power of direct taxation.
  3. C
    The Federalist political faction argued that ratification should be opposed because it gave too much power to state legislatures.
  4. D
    The immediate ratification of the Constitution was necessary to prevent the British Parliament from imposing new colonial taxes on trade.

Answer

The new federal government under the Constitution would become too centralized and distant, threatening local self-governance and individual freedoms.
The correct option correctly identifies the core of the Anti-Federalist argument in the excerpt: that the new federal government would consolidate power at the expense of the states, lack direct connection to the citizens, and threaten individual liberties due to the absence of a bill of rights.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the provided historical excerpt to identify the author's primary arguments.
The author is concerned that the proposed Constitution will create a consolidated government that 'swallows up' state legislatures and lacks a 'declaration of rights' (bill of rights) to protect individuals.
Understanding the source text is necessary to determine the perspective (Anti-Federalist) and the specific arguments being made.
2
Compare the author's arguments with the options provided.
The option concerning the threat of a centralized, distant federal government to local governance and liberties matches the text's warning about consolidated power and the lack of a declaration of rights.
This step identifies the option that directly aligns with the primary source analysis.

Key Concept

Anti-Federalist arguments during the ratification debates concerning federal power and the lack of a bill of rights.
Estimated Time:1m 30s
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Topics

The Constitutional Convention and Ratification Debates

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