Question

Compare and contrast how the federalists and anti-federalists thought about the issue of federalism. why did one group advocate for a strong federal government, and why did the other group insist on powerful state governments

Answer 1

The federalists believed that there was a need to have a strong federal government that would protect the country from foreign influences and ensure democracy in the states. The Anti-federalists feared that the federal government could become too powerful and tyrannical and essentially become similar to how kings ruled in Europe, so they wanted states to have higher power.