Which Side Are You On: Federalist or Anti-Federalist?
Ready to dive into the Federalist v. Anti-Federalist showdown? Start the quiz now!
Play this Federalist vs Anti-Federalist quiz to see which side of the Constitution debate fits your views. Answer short questions on federal power, states' rights, and individual liberty; you'll get a clear result and a bit of context - see your lean or review the key arguments as you go.
You are designing the national government's power: how strong should it be relative to states?
You decide whether the Constitution needs an explicit Bill of Rights. What do you choose?
You shape federal representation: should it be proportional by population or equal by state?
You determine who levies major taxes in the new government. What is your pick?
You choose who controls a standing army. Who do you trust most with military power?
You decide who regulates trade across state lines. Who should lead commerce policy?
You design the judiciary: should there be a strong national Supreme Court overseeing states?
You set foreign policy authority: who negotiates treaties with other nations?
You craft the Constitution's amendment process. Should it be easy or quite difficult?
You weigh direct democracy versus representative government. How much direct voting do you allow?
Reflecting on the Articles of Confederation, would you replace, revise, or keep them?
Do you accept 'virtual representation' where leaders legislate without direct constituent elections?
You assign control over education and local matters. Who should decide most of these?
Do you trust citizens nationwide to elect balanced federal leaders without local influence?
Balanced Federalist
You favor a strong national government, but you recognize the importance of state autonomy and checks on power. You appreciate a flexible system that balances federal authority with state needs. You advocate for constitutional safeguards to prevent overreach. Consider exploring Federalist and Anti-Federalist writings to refine your balanced perspective.
Firm Anti-Federalist
You firmly believe in preserving state authority and fear centralized power's potential for overreach. You champion strong protections for individual and state rights and favor local governance. You seek to limit federal powers to the bare minimum necessary. Exploring Bill of Rights history may deepen your appreciation for limits on national authority.
Firm Federalist
You strongly support a robust central government, believing its strength is essential for national unity and stability. You trust federal institutions to safeguard rights and manage commerce. You value a broad interpretation of federal powers to address collective challenges. Embrace studying the Federalist Papers to deepen your understanding of centralized governance.
Balanced Anti-Federalist
You prioritize state sovereignty and local control, but you see merit in a limited federal structure for cooperation. You advocate for clear protections of individual rights and state powers. You support cautious federal authority, focused on matters beyond state capacities. Reviewing Anti-Federalist essays can help you strengthen your advocacy for balanced decentralization.
Profiles
These profiles reveal which Founding-era view - advocating a strong central government or defending state sovereignty - best matches your answers in the are you a federalist or anti federalist quiz. Discover your constitutional leanings and get tips to explore the federalist vs anti federalist debate further.
- Hamilton's Visionary -
You champion a vigorous federal government to drive economic growth and national unity. Quick tip: Study Hamilton's financial plans to deepen your grasp of federal economic policy.
- Madison's Moderator -
You believe in a balanced system of checks and balances to prevent tyranny and protect liberties. Quick tip: Host a mock Constitutional convention to test your skills at mediation and compromise.
- Jefferson's Defender -
You favor states' rights, local control, and agrarian values over centralized authority. Quick tip: Organize a community forum on local governance to champion grassroots participation.
- Paine's Protector -
You're wary of concentrated power and insist on strong individual safeguards, mirroring anti-federalist vs federalist concerns. Quick tip: Revisit the Bill of Rights to see how foundational protections address your priorities.
- Balanced Polity Enthusiast -
You appreciate both a unified nation and robust state autonomy, seeking practical solutions above all. Quick tip: Lead a discussion group comparing federalist v. anti federalist arguments to foster nuanced dialogue.
