The Anti-Federalists feared a large national government primarily because they believed it would consolidate power and diminish the authority and autonomy of individual states. They were concerned that a strong central government would lead to a loss of personal liberties and individual rights, as well as diminish the voices of citizens within smaller, local governments. The Anti-Federalists argued that a large national government could become too distant and unresponsive to the needs of its citizens, leading to potential tyranny and oppression. Their focus on preserving states' rights and individual freedoms was central to their opposition to the Constitution as initially proposed.
Analyze why the Anti-Federalists feared a large national government. (1 point)
• They were from heavily populated states that would worry about being heard in a large national government.
• They thought a national government would be the only way to protect their individual rights.
• They were large business owners who felt they would lose out on government contracts if there was a large national government.
• They feared that the national government would consolidate all the power leaving the states with no power at all.
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