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Federalist vs. Anti-Federalist

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Federalist vs. Anti-Federalist
The Different Views of the Federalist and the Anti-Federalist on Human Nature

The Federalist and the Anti-Federalist had very conflicting views on several things; however, they did have some similar views on topics such as on human nature and how it affected government. Other common interest of the Federalist and the Anti-Federalist was the preservation of liberty and government. They both believed that there were things that men were destined to do that can not be prevented; because of this, it causes problems in government. Even though there are similar views shared between the two, they still are strong supporters of their own sides. The Anti-Federalist had more faith in human nature and man than the Federalist. They believed that the common man had no desire to bother with greed and power. They also believed that whatever tendencies man may have toward selfishness should be overcome by instruction, morality and religion. Two main leaders for the Anti-Federalist were Thomas Jefferson, who years later became the third President of the United States, and Brutus who wrote the Anti-Federalist Papers which greatly contributed to the ratification of the Constitution. Although Jefferson was an Anti-Federalist he pictured more of a central government. In the Anti-Federalists papers Brutus states that it is human nature to want power, and by having one central government it would result in an absolute power. The Federalist had a belief that the common man was ignorant; wanted to be against the common good, and prone to corruption and greed. One of the authors of the Federalist Papers was James Madison. Madison’s idea of government as a reflection of human nature is described in Federalist Papers. The Federalist Papers explain using a system of the separation of powers to minimize tyranny and protect democracy. These separations of powers are kept distinct to protect against the abuse of power and corruption. Human nature makes it necessary for

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