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 were from heavily populated states that would worry about being heard in a large national government.
They were large business owners who felt they would lose out on government contracts if there was a large national government.
They thought a national government would be the only way to protect their individual rights
and liberties as opposed to a smaller government that could be easily influenced by special interests.
They believed that a large national government would be more prone to corruption and tyranny. They feared that with a strong central government, there would be a higher likelihood of abuse of power, as well as a greater potential for authoritarian rule.
They were also concerned about the lack of direct representation and access to decision-making processes in a large national government. The Anti-Federalists believed that a smaller government, closer to the people, would better represent their interests and allow for greater participation in the political system.
Additionally, they were skeptical of a standing army maintained by a large national government. They feared that such a force could be used to suppress dissent and enforce compliance, leading to a loss of individual freedoms.
Overall, the Anti-Federalists' fear of a large national government stemmed from concerns about power consolidation, lack of representation, potential for corruption, and the erosion of individual rights and liberties. They believed that a smaller, more localized government would be better equipped to protect and advance their interests and ensure a more democratic system of governance.