What was the biggest disagreement between Federalists and Anti-Federalists?
Asked by: Dr. Maverick Mayert | Last update: November 10, 2025Score: 4.9/5 (47 votes)
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 was the main disagreement between Federalists and Anti-Federalists?
Federalists believed in a strong central government and argued that such a system would provide greater national defense and economic growth. Anti-Federalists, however, expressed worries about the concentration of power in a centralized government, fearing it could threaten individual liberties.
What were the two main issues for debate between the Federalists and the Anti-Federalists on the Second Amendment?
Implicit in the debate between Federalists and Anti-Federalists were two shared assumptions. First, that the proposed new Constitution gave the federal government almost total legal authority over the army and militia. Second, that the federal government should not have any authority at all to disarm the citizenry.
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.
Why did the Federalists and the Anti-Federalists disagree brainly?
Final answer: The Federalists and the Anti-Federalists disagreed on the balance of power between the federal government and the states, the absence of a Bill of Rights in the original Constitution, and concerns about potential tyranny and the loss of individual liberties.
Constitutional Convention: Federalists v. Anti-Federalists
Was Thomas Jefferson a federalist or anti-federalist?
This "Anti-Administration" faction became what is now called the Democratic-Republican Party, led by Madison and Thomas Jefferson. This party attracted many Anti-Federalists who were wary of a centralized government.
Did Anti-Federalists want a president?
Antifederalists charged that the President would have too much influence over legislation through his veto power over acts of Congress and that the President's pardoning power was Page 2 dangerous.
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 of the following best summarizes a key difference between the Federalists and Anti-Federalists in early American history?
The Federalists wanted to abolish state governments and give their power to the federal government; the Anti-Federalists wanted each state government to be more powerful than the federal government.
Are Republicans Anti-Federalists?
Republicans were deeply committed to the principles of republicanism, which they feared were threatened by the aristocratic tendencies of the Federalists. During the 1790s, the party strongly opposed Federalist programs, including the national bank.
What was the biggest problem with the Anti-Federalist argument?
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 three main reasons that the Anti-Federalists had for opposing the Constitution?
- They believed the Constitution, as written, would be oppressive.
- They believed the Constitution needed a Bill of Rights.
- They believed the Constitution created a presidency so powerful that it would become a monarchy.
How did the Federalists and Anti-Federalists compromise in the end?
The anti-Federalists agreed to support ratification, with the understanding that they would put forth recommendations for amendments should the document go into effect. The Federalists agreed to support the proposed amendments, specifically a bill of rights.
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 major differences between the federalist and anti-federalist and who were the best known members of each party?
The Federalists, led by Secretary of Treasury Alexander Hamilton, wanted a strong central government, while the Anti-Federalists, led by Secretary of State Thomas Jefferson, advocated states' rights instead of centralized power.
Why did Patrick Henry oppose the Constitution?
Henry feared Constitution would give federal government too much power.
What was the debate between the Federalists and the Anti-Federalists?
There were two sides to the Great Debate: the Federalists and the Anti-Federalists. The Federalists wanted to ratify the Constitution, the Anti-Federalists did not. One of the major issues these two parties debated concerned the inclusion of the Bill of Rights.
On what issue did Federalists and Anti-Federalists disagree most strongly?
Federalists were those who favored the Constitution and a more powerful national republic. Anti-Federalists were those who opposed the ratification of the Constitution and advocated for the small, localized government.
Why did James Madison change his mind?
10, Madison also believed that a large republic would have many contending factions that would prevent a majority from violating the rights of minorities. Nevertheless, he began to change his mind. Madison was deeply concerned about the continuing strength of the Anti-Federalists after ratification.
Was Patrick Henry Anti-Federalist?
After the war Henry championed the cause of states' rights and lobbied unsuccessfully against the ratification of the United States Constitution. A staunch Anti-Federalist, he turned down George Washington's offer to become Secretary of State because of the President's strong Federalist leanings.
What kind of government did Anti-Federalists want to develop?
Antifederalists, as they came to be called, were the voices warning of tyranny and a new monarchy if too much power was vested in a national body. Though agreeing the Articles needed visions, they preferred the confederation model of vesting most legislative powers within the individual states.
Which branch did Anti-Federalists fear most?
The Debate Over the Judicial Branch. Antifederalists viewed the federal judiciary as a source of danger to individual liberty, the state judiciaries, and the future existence of the states themselves. The Constitution guaranteed jury trials in criminal cases, but it said nothing about civil cases.
Why did the New Constitution not abolish slavery?
The framers of the Constitution believed that concessions on slavery were the price for the support of southern delegates for a strong central government. They were convinced that if the Constitution restricted the slave trade, South Carolina and Georgia would refuse to join the Union.
Why did the founding fathers want a strong executive?
They pointed to the weaknesses of the Confederation and state governments with their nearly powerless executives. For Federalists, America needed a separate President with executive powers to enforce federal laws and conduct foreign policy effectively.