They believed that a large national government would be distant and detached from the needs and desires of the average citizen, making it difficult for individuals to have their voices heard and their concerns addressed.
They were concerned that a strong central government would inevitably lead to tyranny and the abuse of power. They feared that without strong checks and balances, the national government would become oppressive and infringe upon individual liberties.
They believed that a decentralized system of government, with power vested in the states, would better protect individual liberties and promote local control. They wanted each state to have the ability to govern itself and make decisions based on its unique needs and circumstances.
They were wary of the potential for corruption and favoritism within a large national government. They believed that a smaller government was more manageable and less prone to corruption, ensuring a more accountable and transparent system.
Overall, the Anti-Federalists were driven by a desire to protect individual liberty, ensure the ability for citizen participation in government, and prevent the concentration and abuse of power by a central authority.
Analyze why the Anti-Federalists feared a large national government.
They feared that the national government would consolidate all the power leaving the states with no power at all.
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 were from heavily populated states that would worry about being heard in a large national government.
1 answer
1 answer