Why did the Antifederalists oppose the new constitution?

A. They believed it favored the more populous states.
B. They believed it would create an autocratic federal government.
C.They believed it was a bundle of compromises.
D.They believed it would propel the nation into anarchy.
E.They believed it was weaker than the Articles of Confederation.

The Anti-federalists opposed the ratification of the new Constitution because they believed it would give far too much power to the Central (Federal) Government. They believed the states should remain autonomous. Therefore, the answer is B. "They believed it would create an autocratic federal government."

Answer Link

MrZieleniewo MrZieleniewo · Answer 2 · 2018-10-07T13:01:37-04:00

Correct answer: B. They believed it would create an autocratic federal government.

The Articles of Confederation, in place prior to the ratification of the Constitution of the United States of America, had granted stronger authority to the states. Patrick Henry and other Anti-Federalists were concerned about too much power winding up in the hands of the federal government and its executive branch, thus allowing a small number of national elites to control the affairs of the USA. They feared this also would diminish the rights and freedoms of individual citizens.

The Bill of Rights, laid out in the first ten amendments to the Constitution, provided some reassurance to Anti-Federalists after the fight over ratification. The US Constitution was ratified in 1788. The Bill of Rights was created in 1789 and ratified in 1791.