What was the main concern of the anti-federalists regarding the federal government?
Understand the Problem
The question is asking about the primary issues that the anti-federalists had with the federal government, particularly during the time of the United States' founding. The anti-federalists were concerned about issues such as the potential for a strong central government to infringe on individual liberties and the lack of a Bill of Rights.
Answer
The Anti-Federalists feared the federal government would be too powerful, threatening individual liberties.
The main concern of the Anti-Federalists about the federal government was that it would be too powerful and threaten individual liberties, especially due to the lack of a bill of rights.
Answer for screen readers
The main concern of the Anti-Federalists about the federal government was that it would be too powerful and threaten individual liberties, especially due to the lack of a bill of rights.
More Information
The Anti-Federalists were a diverse coalition who opposed the Constitution in 1787, fearing that it granted the federal government excessive power and jeopardized the political autonomy of individual states. Their push for protecting individual rights ultimately led to the adoption of the Bill of Rights.
Tips
A common mistake is to believe that the Anti-Federalists were against all forms of federal government, rather than being concerned about its potential overreach and lack of guaranteed civil liberties.
Sources
- The First Amendment Encyclopedia - Mount St. Joseph University - firstamendment.mtsu.edu
- Anti-Federalists | History, Beliefs, & Facts - Britannica - britannica.com
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