Democratic Ideals and Models: Federalists vs Anti-Federalists

Thomas Hobbes

Philosopher, wrote Leviathan. Believed people are selfish → need strong government, but influenced the idea of limited government.

John Locke

Philosopher, wrote Second Treatise of Civil Government. Believed in natural rights (life, liberty, property). Government must protect these.

Montesquieu

Philosopher, wrote The Spirit of the Laws. Believed in separation of powers and checks and balances.

Rousseau

Philosopher, wrote The Social Contract. Believed in popular sovereignty (power comes from the people).

Main democratic ideals in the Declaration of Independence

Natural rights, popular sovereignty, republicanism, representative republic.

Elite democracy

A small group of wealthy/educated people hold the most power.

Participatory democracy

Broad participation by citizens in politics (everyone is directly involved).

Pluralist democracy

Many competing interest groups balance each other's power.

Representative democracy

Citizens elect leaders to make decisions for them.

Federalists

Wanted strong central government because they believed it would create stability and unity.

Anti-Federalists

Wanted more power for the states because they feared a too-powerful central government would take away liberty.

Initiative

When citizens propose new laws directly.

Referendum

When citizens vote on a law to approve or reject it.

Federalist No. 10

Written by James Madison. Argued a large republic controls factions (special interest groups) and protects liberty.

Anti-Federalist Brutus No. 1

Argued a large republic would be too powerful and threaten individual liberty. Wanted power to stay with the states.

Federalists vs Anti-Federalists

Federalists → federal power. Anti-Federalists → state power.