Cross Down explores the debate between federalist versus anti-federalist ideology; that is, between the political argument for a strong central government versus decentralized state governments. The novel ultimately suggests that a federalist government is necessary but should not be taken to the extreme. In the novel, key figures in the government work to address the growing crisis in America without compromising their interpretation of liberty. The federalist view is championed by General Grissom, who favors a strong, federal response to the crisis of American division. Through whatever means necessary, Grissom will unify the country under one government that controls all aspects of society. Through Grissom, Patterson highlights the problems when federalism is taken to the most extreme iteration and transformed into authoritarianism.

In Cross Down, tyranny is exactly what Grissom desires. During the Constitutional Convention, the anti-federalists eventually convinced the federalists to agree to a Bill of Rights, which was a compromise that satisfied both parties and resulted in the amendments that articulated American democracy. Freedom of religion, speech and assembly, a fair trial, and due process are precisely what General Grissom, a staunch federalist, targets to ensure strong central control of the nation. Grissom details his plan: “the suspension of habeas corpus, the arrest and detainment of individuals the FBI and CIA know have connections to various terrorist and extremist groups, travel restrictions, and government oversight of the news media” (274).