What was the greatest worry the Anti-Federalists had about the Constitution?
Asked by: Brook Abbott | Last update: September 23, 2025Score: 4.1/5 (74 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
Why did Anti-Federalist worry about the Constitution?
The Anti-Federalists opposed the ratification of the 1787 US 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. They seem to have been correct.
What was the greatest concern of the opponents to the Constitution Anti-Federalists?
The Supremacy Clause generated significant controversy during debates over the Constitution's ratification. Anti-Federalist opponents of the Constitution argued that the Clause would make the national government overly powerful and infringe on state sovereignty.
What was a major objection to the Constitution by the Anti-Federalists?
They were concerned that the Constitution did not contain a bill of rights, something many colonial charters and state constitutions had included. Secondly, the Constitution significantly reduced state sovereignty in favor of a stronger central government.
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.
Constitutional Convention: Federalists v. Anti-Federalists
What problem did Anti-Federalists have with 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.
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.
What were the major objections to the Constitution?
It soon circulated widely and became the basic template for Anti-Federalist opposition to the Constitution, concisely articulating many of the complaints that would reverberate throughout the ratification struggle: the House of Representatives was too small to represent such a large nation; the President was ...
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.
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.
Why did Anti-Federalists not want taxes?
However, they argued that the vague language of the Constitution to regulate commerce and impose taxes was unlimited and consequently dangerous. Antifederalists were doubtful that the myriad of interests in the country would be balanced and controlled by the government under the Constitution.
What was the most significant argument of the Anti-Federalists quizlet?
Antifederalists feared the Constitution gave the central government, especially the president, too much power that was likely to be abused.
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 a major reason that the Anti-Federalists criticized the Constitution?
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 concerns of the Federalists and Anti-Federalists and how did these concerns shape the bill of rights?
The Federalists opposed including a bill of rights on the ground that it was unnecessary. The Anti-Federalists, who were afraid of a strong centralized government, refused to support the Constitution without one. In the end, popular sentiment was decisive.
What was major controversy between the federalist and Anti-Federalist?
The debate over the ratification of the U.S. Constitution is known for the sharp divide it created among people in the newly independent states. Two groups, the Federalists and the Anti-Federalists, emerged with the Federalists arguing for ratification and the Anti-Federalists arguing against the ratification.
What were the three main arguments of the Anti-Federalists 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 Patrick Henry oppose the Constitution?
Henry feared Constitution would give federal government too much power.
What are three reasons for the success of the Constitution?
The success of the U.S. Constitution is attributed to its integration of Enlightenment principles, the establishment of checks and balances, and its capacity to adapt through amendments, including the Bill of Rights, which addresses citizens' evolving needs.
What was a major objection of the Anti-Federalists to 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 3 major issues at the Constitution?
Debates erupted over representation in Congress, over slavery, and over the new executive branch.
Was George Mason an Anti-Federalist?
Along with James Madison, he is called the "Father of the United States Bill of Rights.” Anti-federalist Mason was a leader of those who pressed for the addition of explicit States rights and individual rights to the U.S. Constitution as a balance to the increased federal powers, and did not sign the document in part ...
What did the Anti-Federalists worry about?
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.
What was the biggest concern for the Federalists and the 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.
Why were the Anti-Federalists most opposed to the Constitution quizlet?
Antifederalists opposed the Constitution because they feared it would cause the government to be corrupt since it was distant from most people. Another worry was of the representatives being elites which would neglect the interests of the middle and lower class.