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Difficulty: EasyThe Constitutional Convention and Ratification Debates

The table below highlights key differences between the Articles of Confederation and the proposed United States Constitution:

FeatureArticles of ConfederationProposed U.S. Constitution (1787)
Executive BranchNone (delegated to congressional committees)A single President with veto power
TaxationNational government requests funds from statesNational government levies direct taxes on citizens
Interstate CommerceStates regulate their own trade and impose tariffsNational government regulates all interstate commerce

Based on the table, which of the following arguments would an Anti-Federalist most likely have used to oppose the ratification of the proposed Constitution?

  1. The creation of a single executive and the national government's power of direct taxation would centralize too much authority, threatening state sovereignty.Answer
  2. B
    The lack of an executive branch would prevent the national government from defending the western frontier or enforcing foreign treaties.
  3. C
    The regulation of interstate commerce would immediately halt agricultural trade between southern states and European nations.
  4. D
    The failure to grant the national government the power to collect tax revenue would prevent the payment of revolutionary war debts.

Answer

The argument that the creation of a single executive and the national government's power of direct taxation would centralize too much authority, threatening state sovereignty.
The correct option is correct because Anti-Federalists feared that a strong central government with a single executive and the power of direct taxation would lead to tyranny, similar to the British monarchy, and undermine the sovereignty of individual states. The proposed Constitution significantly expanded the powers of the federal government compared to the Articles of Confederation, which was the primary target of Anti-Federalist criticism.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the table to identify the shifts in power from the Articles of Confederation to the proposed Constitution.
The proposed Constitution increases federal power by adding a single executive (President) and allowing the national government to levy direct taxes and regulate interstate commerce.
To evaluate how these changes relate to the political beliefs of the groups debating ratification.
2
Recall the main arguments of the Anti-Federalists during the ratification debates.
Anti-Federalists advocated for state sovereignty, feared a strong central government, and worried that a single executive and federal taxing power could lead to tyranny.
To connect the shifts shown in the table to the specific concerns of the opponents of the Constitution.
3
Match the identified Anti-Federalist concerns with the correct option.
The option criticizing the centralization of authority through direct taxation and the executive branch aligns with Anti-Federalist arguments.
To select the option that accurately represents the Anti-Federalist perspective based on the table's comparison.

Key Concept

Anti-Federalist arguments against the ratification of the Constitution due to fears of centralized federal power.
Estimated Time:1m 0s
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Topics

The Constitutional Convention and Ratification Debates

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