Anti-Federalists

Definition

Anti-Federalists were those who opposed the creation of a stronger U.S. federal government and which later opposed the ratification of the 1787 Constitution.

Related terms

Federalists: Supporters of a stronger central government who advocated for the ratification of the U.S. Constitution.

Bill of Rights: The first ten amendments to the U.S. Constitution, added in response to Anti-Federalist concerns about protecting individual liberties against federal overreach.

Ratification Debate: The intense public debate over whether or not to approve ("ratify") the new U.S. Constitution.