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The Anti-Federalists opposed the new U.S. Constitution for numerous reasons. They distrusted large, powerful national governments and believed liberty could only be protected in small republics in which the rulers were closely checked by the public. They believed a large nation could best be governed by a confederation, with local governments having the most control. A strong national government would be distant from the people and not capable of protecting the rights of the citizens. Congress would tax too heavily and the Supreme Court would overrule state courts. They distrusted the president having too much power, including a standing army under his control. They also favored the addition of a Bill of Rights to protect the citizens from the national government. They wanted the House of Representatives increased in size so it would reflect a greater variety of popular interests. The wanted a council created to check the actions of the president. They also favored leaving military affairs in the hands of the state militias.
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What are federalists and anti-federalists?
The federalists were supporters of the Constitution while the anti-federalists oppose the Constitution because of its lack of a Bill of Rights. Key federalists include Alexander Hamilton, John Jay and initially James Madison (changes to a republican (former anti-federalists) later on) Key anti-federalists include, Patrick Henry and Thomas Jefferson.
Why did the anti-Federalists argue against the Constitution?
The anti federalists werent against the constitution, they were with it.
Who fought for and against ratification of the constitution?
Federalists fought for the ratification of the constitution and anti-federalists fought against it. For more information, visit the Related Question.
What do you call a federalist that is against the ratification of the US Constitution?
Federalists were for the ratification of the Constitution. Those who opposed such ratification were called Anti-Federalists or Confederalists.
Why did federalists and anti federalists clash over the ratification of the constitution?
Because the federalists wanted the constitution and the anti-Federalists didn't, because the anti-Federalists wanted a smaller government and were afraid the Constitution would take away their freedom.
