What did the Anti-Federalists favor regarding government structure?

The Anti-Federalists championed the idea of a strong state government due to their belief in the importance of local governance and individual liberties. They were concerned that a strong national government would lead to tyranny and an erosion of the rights of the states and the people. Their emphasis on state power was rooted in the experiences under British rule, where a distant central authority was perceived to be unresponsive to the needs of individual citizens and local communities. By advocating for strong state governments, the Anti-Federalists sought to ensure that political power remained close to the people, allowing for more direct participation in governance and better protection of individual rights.

Their perspective ultimately influenced the creation of the Bill of Rights, as they pushed for explicit protections of individual liberties against potential federal overreach. This focus on state power contrasted sharply with the Federalists, who favored a stronger centralized government to ensure stability and address national issues more effectively.