Strong State Governments

Definition

Strong state governments refers to the belief that power should be vested in individual states rather than a central government. Supporters of strong state governments believed that states should have the ability to make decisions for themselves and have more control over their own affairs.

Related terms

Anti-Federalists: The Anti-Federalists were individuals who opposed the ratification of the U.S. Constitution and favored stronger state governments.

Federalism: Federalism is a system of government in which power is divided between a central authority (such as the federal government) and individual states.

Articles of Confederation: The Articles of Confederation were America's first constitution, which created a weak central government and gave most powers to individual states. The desire for stronger state governments arose from dissatisfaction with this system.