What was the main disagreement between Federalists and Antifederalists over the proposed Constitution?
The main disagreement between the Federalists and Anti-Federalists over the proposed Constitution was the balance of power between the national government and the states. Federalists, such as Alexander Hamilton and James Madison, supported a strong central government with expanded powers, believing that a strong national government was necessary to maintain order, stability, and protect individual rights. They argued that a stronger central government would prevent the country from being fragmented into smaller factions and would help address the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation.
On the other hand, Anti-Federalists, including Patrick Henry and Thomas Jefferson, were concerned about the potential abuse of power by a strong central government. They argued that a strong central government would infringe upon the rights and freedoms of individuals and the states. Anti-Federalists feared that the Constitution did not provide adequate protection for individual liberties and that the proposed government lacked sufficient checks and balances.
They also believed that the Constitution favored the wealthy and elite as it did not include a bill of rights or protect the rights of small farmers, workers, and the less privileged. Anti-Federalists were advocates for states' rights and preferred a confederation where most power resided with the individual states, ensuring that state governments could serve as a check on the national government.