Anti-Federalists

Meanings

1. 1nounpluralAmerican

   Americans in the late 1700s who opposed the proposed U.S. Constitution and wanted stronger state governments.

   Grammar: Used as a plural noun for the group; the singular form is 'Anti-Federalist'.

   Patterns

   • the Anti-Federalists opposed something
   • the Anti-Federalists argued for something

   The Anti-Federalists feared that a strong central government would take away individual liberties.

   Many Anti-Federalists demanded a bill of rights before they would support the Constitution.

   Historians often contrast the Anti-Federalists with the Federalists who pushed for ratification.

2. 2nounplural

   People in any country or era who are against a federal system of government.

   Grammar: Can be used more generally, but usually still capitalized when referring to a specific political faction.

   Patterns

   • anti-federalists in something
   • a group of anti-federalists

   In modern debates, anti-federalists often argue that local governments understand local needs better.

   The party split between federalists who wanted unity and anti-federalists who wanted autonomy.

Word forms

Common combinations

the Anti-Federalists opposed the Constitution

The Anti-Federalists opposed the Constitution because it gave too much power to the central government.

Anti-Federalist papers

The Anti-Federalist papers were written to argue against ratifying the Constitution.

Federalists and Anti-Federalists

The debate between Federalists and Anti-Federalists shaped the early American political system.

Anti-Federalist arguments

Many Anti-Federalist arguments later influenced the Bill of Rights.

Synonyms and how they differ

states' rights advocates

This is a broader modern term for people who want more power for state governments; it is not limited to the historical Anti-Federalists.

decentralists

A more general term for those who favor distributing power away from a central authority; it can apply to other countries and eras.

Opposites

Word family

Anti-Federalism noun

The political movement or belief of the Anti-Federalists.

anti-federal adjective

Describing something that opposes a federal system.

Commonly confused: Anti-Federalists or Federalists?

Practice

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