(Blank) wanted a strong central government.
(blank) wanted a weak central government so the states had
more power.
:: Antifederalists
:: Federalists
The Federalists wanted a strong central government and the Antifederalists wanted a weak central government so the states had more power.
The Antifederalists wanted a weak central government so the states had more power.
The Federalists wanted a strong central government.
The correct answer is:
· Antifederalists wanted a weak central government so the states had more power.
· Federalists wanted a strong central government.
To understand why each group held these positions, it is important to have a basic understanding of the historical context. These two groups are referring to the time leading up to the adoption of the United States Constitution in the late 18th century.
The Antifederalists were skeptical of a strong central government. They feared that a powerful central government could potentially become tyrannical, similar to the British monarchy they had just fought a war to gain independence from. The Antifederalists believed that the best way to protect individual liberties and prevent abuse of power was to have a decentralized government, where power resided mostly with the states.
On the other hand, the Federalists believed that a strong central government was necessary for a stable and effective nation. They argued that without a strong central government, the United States would not be able to effectively address issues such as national defense, interstate commerce, and maintaining a unified economy. The Federalists felt that a centralized power structure would also provide more consistency and prevent conflicts between the states.
To find out who wanted a strong central government and who wanted a weak central government, it is crucial to refer to the historical debates and writings of the time, such as the Federalist Papers (authored by prominent Federalists like James Madison, Alexander Hamilton, and John Jay) and the speeches and writings of influential Antifederalists like Patrick Henry and George Mason. These primary sources provide valuable insights into the viewpoints and arguments put forth by both groups.