Which statement best describes Anti-Federalists?

Which statement best describes Anti-Federalists?

• A. Supported a strong central government.
• B. Opposed the Constitution and wanted states' rights.
• C. Wanted protections for individual rights (Bill of Rights).
• D. Favored a national bank.

Answer: (B)

Anti-Federalists focused on limiting centralized power and protecting states’ authority. They worried that a strong national government would threaten liberty and reduce state sovereignty, so they argued for keeping power with the states and for safeguards for individual rights through a Bill of Rights. That combination—opposing the Constitution as written and pushing for states’ rights—best describes their position. The other ideas reflect Federalist priorities or specific policies (like a national bank) rather than the Anti-Federalist stance on central power and state sovereignty.

Anti-Federalists focused on limiting centralized power and protecting states’ authority. They worried that a strong national government would threaten liberty and reduce state sovereignty, so they argued for keeping power with the states and for safeguards for individual rights through a Bill of Rights. That combination—opposing the Constitution as written and pushing for states’ rights—best describes their position. The other ideas reflect Federalist priorities or specific policies (like a national bank) rather than the Anti-Federalist stance on central power and state sovereignty.