The Anti-Federalist Papers - Part 1

The underlying foundation of The Study (my current project) are the principles that the founding fathers held dear with the addition of the advancements of modern society. Part of creating the world after The Study is staying true to the original ideals that formed this country.

              The purpose of the anti-federalists was very similar to mine: freedom from tyranny by any form of elite, preserve community identity and personal freedoms. One of the greatest fears of the anti-federalists was that the will of the people would be drowned out by the will of the wealthy. This is something that appears to be happening now, which makes a closer look at these ideals that a large percentage of founders ascribed to.

              The Federalist Papers are a collection of documents that is frequently found in high school social science curriculum, and contains ideas much closer to the Constitution the country holds in such high regard. The anti-federalist papers are mostly unknown to society, even those I’ve spoken with that enjoyed history in school and had great teachers. This side of the argument is less represented, and its key players are obscure in our modern minds relative to their ideological opponents. It is said that history is written by the victors. This fact alone would explain why the anti-federalists ideas are studied less frequently, even though they are responsible for such important documents as the Bill of Rights.

              The antifederalists and I also have a shared cherished belief: that good nature and strong wills are innate in all people. They wanted the laws to allow for the maximum amount that people can act as their best selves. This is something they thought would be prevented by a strong central government, as the creation of classes lead to behavior that marginalizes the other based on wealth.

              When I first read the introduction to the ideal of the opposing side of the constitutional debate, I thought that no one would listen to these ideas because they seem contradicted by the baser natures of people. When I realized that this faction was large and a strong voice in the conventions and the nation’s early years, I knew that reading their work is just as important as the more common Federalist Papers.

              The ideals of the anti-federalists could have been what shaped our country. I think it would have been more difficult, but worth it in the long run. I’m withholding my final opinion on the type of government I think would work until The Study is published, but I think a critical read of both sides of the debates that formed this country is key to understand what the founders of this country wanted for the people. It will take time to read and digest all of their works, but I will share with you their wisdom and influence on our nation’s ideals as I come to understand them better. I will do the same for the Federalist Papers, and any other source documents I enjoy through my research.