Which statement best describes the Anti-Federalists?

Which statement best describes the Anti-Federalists?

• A. They led by Patrick Henry; opposed a strong central government and ratification of the 1787 Constitution
• B. They supported a strong central bank and the Constitution
• C. They advocated immediate abolition of slavery
• D. They favored a strong executive presidency

Answer: (A)

The statement describes the Anti-Federalists’ stance during the ratification debates: they believed the new Constitution gave too much power to a central government and they pushed back against ratification unless protections for states’ rights and individual liberties were added. Patrick Henry was a leading figure among them, voicing strong opposition to a strong centralized government. This highlights their core concern with centralized power and their demand for limits on national authority, which is why it’s the best description. The other options point to positions more associated with Federalists or issues not central to the Anti-Federalist platform (such as opposing a strong presidency or advocating immediate abolition).

The statement describes the Anti-Federalists’ stance during the ratification debates: they believed the new Constitution gave too much power to a central government and they pushed back against ratification unless protections for states’ rights and individual liberties were added. Patrick Henry was a leading figure among them, voicing strong opposition to a strong centralized government. This highlights their core concern with centralized power and their demand for limits on national authority, which is why it’s the best description. The other options point to positions more associated with Federalists or issues not central to the Anti-Federalist platform (such as opposing a strong presidency or advocating immediate abolition).