Separation Of Powers, Federalism, And But The Bill Of Rights

Introduction: The United States’ can trace its famous two party system back to the federalist and Antifederalist parties. Although ideas from each side often clash, our government has key features that trace back to this great debate. Separation of powers, federalism, and even the Bill of Rights are rooted in compromise between Federalist and Antifederalist ideas. Arguably the most important of these is the principle of separation of powers. This principle is observed in the three branches of the national and state government we have today, and the checks and balances system that each must uphold. Federalist Visions: The Federalist Party was made up of property owners, creditors, and merchants; the wealthiest of society. Members of this†¦show more content†¦The United States had just broken away from a monarchy and Antifederalists wanted nothing of the sort to happen in the new country. Having a small group of elites represent the entire people sounded a lot like what they had left when breaking away from England. Moreover, they believed that states should hold the most power, but the national government should back basic rights while leaving other decisions to each state. They gave very little support to the ratification of the constitution, but were more in favor of the Articles of Confederation. However, their resolve came with the Bill of Rights, which gave the antifederalists the basic freedoms they wanted. Today, the Antifederalist ideas are present in Republican, Libertarian, and the Tea Party’s core foundations. Separation of Powers: In the wake of compromises that came from debates between the Federalists and Antifederalists, one of the most important institutional features that has carried on into today’s American Government was created. The separation of powers can be defined as, â€Å"the system through which each branch of government, can govern over the others by checks and balances.† One of the most obvious places this institutional feature can be observed is within our three branches of government. The Federalists favored central, powerful government, but the Antifederalists feared the concentration of power. The three branches of government, and the systemShow MoreRelatedFederalism, Separation Of Powers, Checks And Balances And The Bill Of Rights1208 Words   |  5 Pages Federalism, separation of powers, checks and balances and the bill of rights are the four main elements that the constitution is made up of. All four of these elements are what made the constitution strong, lasting over two hundred years. Three separate branches were created that had their own specific powers. The government was then given the power to tax and enforce its laws. 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