But so are slightly more centrist judges. Storing explains their principles and arguments, many of which are just as applicable today. To hear Federalist Society members tell it, the Anti-Federalist critique of judicial activism has particular relevance. In fact, as Powell points out, many leading Anti-Federalists skipped out of the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia in 1787. Nevertheless, these are the figures conservative jurists and legal thinkers would use to interpret the Constitution.
Conservatives love to style themselves as underdogs, and usually it's a calculated ploy.
Citing the Anti-Federalists as our nation's founders is sort of like flying the Rebel Flag in Mississippi. This article may not be resold, reprinted, or redistributed for compensation of any kind without prior written permission from the author.