A student is researching the historical development of the U.S. government and comes across documents discussing the debates between Federalists and Anti-Federalists. Which of the following was a primary concern of the Anti-Federalists regarding the proposed U.S. Constitution?
- AThe lack of a strong national military to defend against foreign threats.
- BThe absence of a national court system to resolve disputes between states.
- CThe potential for a powerful central government to infringe upon individual liberties.
- DThe inability of individual states to levy their own taxes.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: C. The potential for a powerful central government to infringe upon individual liberties.
The Anti-Federalists were deeply concerned that the new Constitution, without a Bill of Rights, would create an overly powerful central government that could suppress the rights of citizens and states. They advocated for stronger state governments and explicit protections for individual freedoms.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. This was more of a Federalist concern, advocating for a stronger national defense.
- B. The lack of a national court system was a weakness of the Articles of Confederation, which the Constitution aimed to rectify.
- D. The Constitution granted states the power to levy taxes, and this was not a primary Anti-Federalist concern about the new document.
Anti-Federalist Concerns
The Anti-Federalists were a political faction in the late 18th century who opposed the ratification of the U.S. Constitution because they believed it granted too much power to the national government at the expense of state and individual liberties.
- Feared a powerful central government.
- Advocated for a Bill of Rights to protect individual freedoms.
- Preferred stronger state governments.
Memory trick: Federalists wanted a 'Fed' (strong central government) to unite, Anti-Federalists wanted 'Anti-Tyranny' (individual rights) to protect.