wanted a strong central government.
wanted a weak central government
so the states had more power.
:: Antifederalists
:: Federalists
The Antifederalists were against the ratification of the United States Constitution and wanted a weak central government. They argued that a strong central government would infringe on the rights of the states and individuals. They were concerned about the lack of a Bill of Rights to protect individual liberties and feared that a centralized power would be prone to corruption and tyranny.
On the other hand, the Federalists supported the ratification of the Constitution and wanted a strong central government. They believed that a strong central government was necessary to maintain national unity, protect the nation from external threats, regulate commerce, and effectively manage the country's affairs. The Federalists also believed that political power should be concentrated in the hands of the elite, educated, and wealthy individuals who would govern in the best interest of the nation as a whole. They argued that a strong central government would provide stability and promote economic growth.