Final answer:
Federalists, led by figures like Alexander Hamilton and James Madison, supported a strong central government and the ratification of the U.S. Constitution, while Anti-Federalists, which included Patrick Henry and George Mason, preferred greater state autonomy and were wary of potential tyranny from centralized authority. The Federalist vision prevailed with the Constitution's ratification, but the Anti-Federalist concerns resulted in the Bill of Rights.
Step-by-step explanation:
Differences Between Federalists and Anti-Federalists
The Federalists and Anti-Federalists represented two distinct philosophies regarding the nature and structure of the newly formed United States government. Federalists, such as Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, and John Jay, advocated for a strong central government that would unify the states and have substantial control over the economy, national defense, and economic growth. They were often wealthy, well-educated landowners, businessmen, and military leaders. The Federalists believed that a large republic was necessary to protect individual freedoms and prevent tyranny by factions.
On the other hand, Anti-Federalists such as Patrick Henry and George Mason were concerned about a strong central government evolving into tyranny and therefore supported more autonomy for individual states. They feared that the Constitution gave too much power to the national government at the expense of state authority.
Significant differences between these groups can be seen in their opinions on various matters, including the establishment of a national bank, interpretation of the Constitution, and foreign policy. The Federalists succeeded in electing their candidate, John Adams, as the second President of the United States, while Thomas Jefferson, a leading figure of the Democratic-Republicans, represented the views closer to the Anti-Federalists and won the presidency four years later in 1800.
Ultimately, while the Federalists won the initial battle with the ratification of the Constitution, the Anti-Federalists' concerns led to the adoption of the first ten amendments, also known as the Bill of Rights, which guaranteed individual liberties and placed limitations on the government's power.