What is one reason why Anti-Federalists did not trust the Constitution?

Asked by: Olin Moen  |  Last update: March 31, 2025
Score: 4.3/5 (15 votes)

The Anti-Federalists opposed the ratification of the 1787 U.S. Constitution because they feared that the new national government would be too powerful and thus threaten individual liberties, given the absence of a bill of rights.

Why were the Anti-Federalists opposed to the Constitution Quizlet?

Antifederalists opposed the Constitution because their main fear was that it would cause the government to be corrupt since it was so distant from most people. Another worry was of the representatives being elites which would not be helpful for the middle and lower class.

Why did the Anti-Federalists disagree with the Constitution?

The Anti-Federalists

One faction opposed the Constitution because they thought stronger government threatened the sovereignty of the states. Others argued that a new centralized government would have all the characteristics of the despotism of Great Britain they had fought so hard to remove themselves from.

What were three arguments the Anti-Federalists had against the Constitution?

The Anti-Federalists feared that the Constitution gave the new national government too much power and that this new government—led by a new group of distant, out-of-touch political elites—would seize all political power; swallow up the states—the governments that were closest to the people themselves; and abuse the ...

Why did Anti-Federalists not trust the Constitution?

Anti-Federalists argued that the Constitution gave too much power to the federal government, while taking too much power away from state and local governments. Many felt that the federal government would be too far removed to represent the average citizen.

The Anti-Federalists

37 related questions found

What did the Federalists believe about the Constitution?

The Federalist Party saw the Articles of Confederation as weak and indicative of the inevitable instability a nation will face without a strong centralized government. Thus, the party advocated heavily in favor of the Implied Powers of the President within the Constitution alongside Federal Supremacy.

What was the strongest criticism of the Constitution?

Five of their most significant objections to the Constitution are summarized in the excerpts that follow: that replacement of the Articles of Confederation was unnecessary; that the new government would give rise to a privileged aristocracy; that a stronger central government would obliterate the states; that a large, ...

What were the 3 main arguments of the Federalists for the Constitution?

Federalists defended the Constitution's strengthened national government, with its greater congressional powers, more powerful executive, and independent judiciary. They argued that the new government supported the principles of separation of powers, checks and balances, and federalism.

What was the biggest disagreement between Federalists and Anti-Federalists?

The Federalists contended that a stronger central government would provide a solid base from which New York could grow and prosper. The anti-Federalists clamored for a bill of rights and fought to preserve the autonomy of the state against federal encroachments.

What are the arguments against federalism?

THE DRAWBACKS OF FEDERALISM. Federalism also comes with drawbacks. Chief among them are economic disparities across states, race-to-the-bottom dynamics (i.e., states compete to attract business by lowering taxes and regulations), and the difficulty of taking action on issues of national importance.

What were the Anti-Federalists' major objections to the Constitution?

What was a major objection to the Constitution by the Antifederalists? They objected to the Constitution because it did not include a bill of rights.

What did the Federalists disagree with the Anti-Federalists in their belief?

The correct option is B i.e., The Federalists disagreed with the Anti-Federalists in their belief that a strong federal government was necessary for a strong nation.

Is a bill of attainder legal?

In the United States, bills of attainder are unconstitutional as stated in Article 1 Section 9 and Article 1 Section 10 of the U.S. Constitution . Article 9 prohibits federal bills of attainder and Article 10 prohibits bills of attainder by the states.

What is the main difference between the Federalists and the Anti-Federalists?

Federalists believed that the United States should form a strong central government to unite the states, while antifederalists believed that the states should maintain the same level of power and authority with only a weak central government.

What are the three words of the Constitution?

Its first three words – “We The People” – affirm that the government of the United States exists to serve its citizens. The supremacy of the people through their elected representatives is recognized in Article I, which creates a Congress consisting of a Senate and a House of Representatives.

Why were the Anti-Federalists opposed to the ratification of the Constitution and how was their opposition partly overcome?

Anti-Federalists objected to the power the Constitution gave the federal government and the absence of a bill of rights to protect individual liberties. The Federalists countered that a strong government was necessary to lead the new nation and promised to add a bill of rights to the Constitution.

What did Anti-Federalists believe the Constitution was lacking?

The Anti-Federalists opposed the ratification of the 1787 U.S. Constitution because they feared that the new national government would be too powerful and thus threaten individual liberties, given the absence of a bill of rights.

What were the main points of disagreement between the Anti-Federalists and the Federalists quizlet?

Federalist believed that the Constitution gave the national government the authority it needed to function effectively. Antifederalist felt that the constitution made the national government to strong and left the states to weak.

What did Anti-Federalists think about Congress?

Large-state Antifederalists favored the proportional representation in the House but opposed the equal state representation in the Senate.

What were three arguments to not approve the Constitution from the Anti-Federalists?

Several arguments were voiced repeatedly during the ratification debates: That the Convention had exceeded its authority in producing a new Constitution; That the Constitution established the basis for a monarchical regime; That the Constitution lacked explicit protections for individual and states rights.

Did Anti-Federalists want a bill of rights?

The Constitution was ratified, but some reservations surfaced about its content. A critical minority, referred to as Anti-Federalists, insisted upon the addition of a bill of rights that would protect the rights of individual citizens, and demanded a new look at some of the Constitution's specific provisions.

Which statement would an Anti-Federalist be most likely to agree with?

The Anti-Federalist be most likely to agree with the most political power should rest with the states. Therefore, option (C) is correct.

What was the Anti-Federalists strongest criticism of the Constitution?

The Anti-Federalists feared that the new Constitution gave the national government too much power. And that this new government—led by a new group of distant, out-of-touch political elites—would: Seize all political power. Swallow up the states—the governments that were closest to the people themselves.

What were the biggest disagreements for and against the Constitution?

How the Articles of Confederation failed and delegates met to create a new constitution. The major debates were over representation in Congress, the powers of the president, how to elect the president (Electoral College), slave trade, and a bill of rights.

What is one weakness of the Constitution?

It is no secret that the Constitution signed on that fateful day of September 17, 1787 was highly flawed. It denied women and minorities, especially black individuals, their basic human rights for decades to come. It protected slavery.