The Anti-federalists And Frame Of The United States Constitution

The anti-federalists,as one of the important political factions during the constitutional establishment of the United States,had a profound influence on the formulation of the United States Constitution and the formation of its political tradition.The rise of anti-federalism is not groundless.In fact,the political thought current during the American Revolution had an important influence on the rise of anti-federalism.Judging from the anti-federalist remarks and activities,anti-federalism originated from the Greek and Roman traditions of classical republican and classical democracy,the Whig party opposition tradition and the enlightenment thought of the British.It is full of hostility and suspicion for powerful power,and it has keep the freedom and right to become the core of their thinks.Anti-federalism emerged in the Constitution-making period of Philadelphia,was active in the constitutional approval movement period,and gradually declined with the approval of the American Constitution.At the Philadelphia Constitutional Convention,federalists repealed Articles of Confederation,attempted to formulate a new constitution,and established an overly powerful central government,which caused dissatisfaction and opposition from some of the framer,anti-federalism began to rise.First,the anti-federalists objected to repealing Articles of Confederation and questioned the legitimacy of the Constitutional Convention.The only purpose of convening the Philadelphia Convention was to amend the Articles of Confederation to safeguard the existence of the American Confederation.Second,the anti-federalists opposed the establishment of an overly powerful federal government and believed that the new constitution gives overly power to the federal government.This will threaten the rights and freedoms of States and peoples.Third,the anti-federalists advocated vertical decentralization of the federal government and States governments,safeguarded the power of the States governments.During the constitutional approval movement,anti-federalists of various States launched fierce criticism of the new constitution.First of all,the anti-federalists opposed the establishment of a single and wide-ranging republic,advocated limitingthe power of the federal government,establishing a coalition of small republics,and safeguarding the interests of States and peoples.Second,anti-federalists opposed the hybridity of the new constitution's complex decentralization system and power,and advocated a simple governmental structure and a clear scope of rights to ensure that the government is responsible to the people.Again,the anti-federalists criticized the irrational nature of both Houses of Congress.The proportional representation system of the House of Representatives violates the principle of equality in all States.The number of the House of Representatives is too small and the term of office is too long to represent the interests of all people.The Senate and the judicial and executive powers are mixed,they have greater powers,and they obviously have aristocratic tendencies.Fourth,the anti-federalists believed that the power given to the president by the new constitution is too large and the position of the vice-president is not only dangerous but also easy to corrupt and violates the principle of republicanism.Fifth,the judicial power conferred on the federation by the new constitution is too large and it is easy to infringe on the legislative powers of States and the federal legislative power.The most important thing is that the anti-federalists strongly criticized the lack of the "Bill of Rights" in the new constitution and firmly advocated for the increase of the "Bill of Rights" for the protection of human rights in order to restrict power.It was precisely because of the insistence of anti-federalists that they eventually added the "Bill of Rights" by the form of constitutional amendments,make an important contribution to the formulation of the United States Constitution.The anti-federalists' contribution to the American Constitution is very large.This is mainly reflected in their shaping of the provisions of the constitution.Their opposition to the federalists' opinions invisibly amended the federalists' opinions and shaped the constitutional democracy and freedom.However,the anti-federalist constitutionalism also has some limitations.They are too idealistic,they place too much emphasis on individual freedom and ignore national interests.They place too much emphasis on experience and traditions,oppose social changes and lack long-term strategic vision.Their adherence to the rights of States is not conducive to national unity,it was eventually used by the southern slaveholder and became the cause of thought for the outbreak of the civil war.However,there is no doubt that anti-federalists have had a very important influence on the formation of the American political tradition.The influence of the federalists and the anti-federalists on the constitutional establishment of the United States is equally important.The politicaldialogue between the two sides and their adherence to the principles and spirit of compromise have led the development of the free American.The conservative spirit and political opposition spirit of the anti-federalists is the source of American conservatism and party politics,and has also had a very important impact on the course of political history in the United States.