Question

Describe the major difference between Federalists and Antifederalists.

Answer 1

B.) Federalists favored the Constitution; Antifederalist favored stronger state governments.

Federalists supported a federal system with a Constitution and a centralized national government. Anti-Federalists wanted more power to rest with the states and the people.

The major split between Federalists and Anti-Federalists occurred when deciding whether or not to pass the Constitution as written or to add specific clauses to protect the rights of the people. The Anti-Federalists believed the Constitution gave too much power to the national government and wanted to add specific protections for natural rights. This conflict would lead to the creation of the Bill of Rights and the amendments being passed after the passage of the Constitution.

Answer 2

B.) Federalists favored the Constitution; Antifederalist favored stronger state governments.