Who were the Anti-Federalists?

• A. Supporters of a strong federal government
• B. Opponents of the new Constitution
• C. A faction that supported a monarchy
• D. A group promoting federalism

Answer: (B)

The Anti-Federalists were characterized as opponents of the new Constitution that was proposed in 1787. They were concerned that the Constitution granted too much power to the federal government at the expense of the states and individual liberties. This group feared that a strong central government could lead to tyranny, similar to what they had experienced under British rule. Prominent Anti-Federalists, such as Patrick Henry and George Mason, advocated for a Bill of Rights to protect individual freedoms and limit the government's power. Their arguments and concerns played a significant role in the eventual adoption of the first ten amendments to the Constitution, which were intended to safeguard personal liberties. Understanding this context sheds light on the importance of the Anti-Federalist movement in American history and the debates surrounding the foundational principles of governance.