How did Anti-Federalists feel about a strong central government?

1 Answer
William L.
Oct 9, 2017

They opposed a strong central government.

Explanation:

Anti-federalists were generally from the poorer classes (e.g. small farmers) and included revolutionaries such as Samuel Adams and Patrick Henry. They opposed ratification of the Constitution because of the lack of a Bill of Rights and its anti-democratic elements, such as:

  • Indirectly elected President
  • Indirectly elected Senate
  • Lifetime appointment of Federal Judges
  • No limit on Presidential terms in office

The only part of the new government that would be directly elected by the people would be the House of Representatives. So they saw this as a plot by the wealthy to steal power from the common people.

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