As is usually the case, I'm getting some feedback on how difficult it is to read the Federalist and Anti Federalist Papers. They can get a bit dense for me too, but perseverance helps. If it takes several readings then do it.
Part of the reason they are difficult to read is because of the language used in the late 1780s, but also because their argument are carefully crafted and lengthy. Our inability to reason as well as the founding generation is troublesome to many who are concerned about our ability to maintain the balanced constitutional order.
Here's a bit of help. Recall that you are to compare the arguments made in the Federalist Paper and the related Anti-Federalist Paper. 500 word minimum, opinions don't count. Tell me what they said.
2301-01 and TBA: Fed and AntiFed #1
2302-01: Fed and AntiFed #55
2301-03: Fed and AntiFed #4
2302-03: Fed and AntiFed #56
Recall that these are arguments for and against the ratification of the Constitution. Each deals with a specific issue associated with the Constitution.
1: Publius outlines the goal of the papers, the importance of the Union, and suggest why others might oppose the Union--because it compromises their positions of power. He predicts that their opposition will be based on passion, not reason. "A Federalist" responds that the purposes of the Constitution is to benefit the aristocratic classes and will oppress the general population.
55: Both papers concern how many people ought to be in the House of Representatives in order to ensure that it will in fact be a representative body, and not one that merely poses as one. Publius argues that the House will be a true representative body while the Federal Farmer suspects that it will likely allow for the creation of small factions that will represent the interests of concentrated elites, not the general population.
4: Publius states that the security of the country is best provided for by a union than a confederacy. A weak nation would invite other nations to attack it. Patrick Henry argues that this is merely a scare tactic designed to frighten people into supporting the Constitution. He challenges the idea that there is reason to fear other countries.
56: Publius argues against the suggestion that there Will not be enough people in the House of Representatives to adequately represent the full interests that exist in the country. He states that the federal system provides a remedy for the. The Federal Farmer points out that effective representation in England has led to an expansion of individual rights there over time while these rights tend to be minimized elsewhere.
I hope this helps you start. It's really not that difficult if you focus, really.
[And remember that these are due the date of the test next week. That's either Wednesday or Thursday. Please remember also that your syllabus is your friend. It doesn't have the answers to all life's questions, just those pertaining to this class.]
