Final answer:
Federalists supported the Constitution, while Anti-Federalists opposed it. Federalists wanted a stronger national government, while Anti-Federalists preferred stronger state governments.
Step-by-step explanation:
Differences between Federalists and Anti-Federalists
Federalists: Supported ratification of the new Constitution. They believed in a stronger national government that would benefit national defense and economic growth. Elite members of society like wealthy landowners, businessmen, and former military commanders were often Federalists.
Anti-Federalists: Opposed ratification of the Constitution. They preferred stronger state governments and a weaker national government. Anti-Federalists wanted a Bill of Rights to protect individual liberties and prevent a dictator from exploiting citizens.
The Federalist position tended to win support among businessmen, large farmers, and plantation owners, while the Anti-Federalists may not have been in the majority. The Federalists' arguments were made in The Federalist Papers, written by James Madison, Alexander Hamilton, and John Jay.