What did the Anti-Federalists advocate for regarding the powers of the government?

The Anti-Federalists were proponents of a strong state government as opposed to a strong federal government. They believed that localized governance would be more responsive to the needs and rights of individuals and communities. Their advocacy stemmed from a deep-seated fear of centralized power, which they thought could lead to tyranny and the erosion of personal liberties.

By insisting on the importance of state authority, the Anti-Federalists argued for a system where states would retain significant autonomy to govern themselves. This perspective was rooted in the historical context of their time, particularly the experience under British rule, where centralized power was viewed as oppressive. They pushed for stronger state rights to protect against potential overreach by the federal government, advocating for checks and balances that would empower individual states to retain control over various aspects of governance.

This emphasis on a robust state government reflects their belief in a decentralized political structure that prioritizes local decision-making and individual freedoms.