Federalist vs. Anti-Federalist, Essay Example

The Enumerated Powers and Necessary and Proper clauses of Article 1 present the issue as to how the constitutional powers granted to congress should be considered the perspective of a strict constructionist would indicate that the document should be literally interpreted.  In this way, it is limited in its abilities to influence the country and will not be simply a document that allows for the abuse of power.  By allowing for the strict interpretation of the constitution, the government’s powers can be limited so that they will not be overused.

The federalist conception of the constitution seems to have led to an ever expanding federal government.  At the time of the constitution, the powers of the federal government were very limited.  Since then, they have grown to have broad control over many aspects of the country.  This is an example of how the federalist position will lead to the continuous expansion of government powers through the reinterpretation of flexible laws.

This position leads to an approval of the ninth and tenth amendments.  The guaranteed of individual rights, as well as the rights of states over the federal governments, is an important limitation on the ability of the federal government to intervening in the lives of individuals.  This limitation allows for individuals to have their independence guaranteed by the original meaning of the constitution.