American civ

Anti-Federalists

Opponents of the ratification of the Constitution of 1787, advocating for local governance and concerned about the concentration of power in a centralized government.

Brutus (Robert Yates)

Key New York Anti-Federalist figure who opposed ratification, drafted the New York state constitution, and served as Chief Justice of New York Supreme Court.

The Centinel (Samuel Bryan)

Pennsylvania statesman known for his conspiratorial writings against the Constitution and advocating for individual liberties.

Cato (George Clinton)

New York Governor and Vice President known for his opposition to central authority and defense of state sovereignty.

Montesquieu

Philosopher whose ideas on republicanism were used by Anti-Federalists to argue against large republics and promote local governance.

Key Features of Anti-Federalist Republicanism

Includes opposition to large republics, standing armies, centralized taxing power, absence of a Bill of Rights, dissolution of states, favoritism towards the rich, and complexity of the new Constitution.

Opposition to Large Republic

Belief that large republics render the public good unknowable and facilitate conspiracies by the few.

Opposition to Standing Army

Concern that a professional army would oppress citizens, contrasting with citizen-soldiers who defend their liberty.

Opposition to Centralized Taxing Power

Doubt about distant representatives' ability to fairly redistribute taxes, advocating for localized tax decisions.

No Bill of Rights

Concern that the lack of a Bill of Rights would lead to despotic government actions against individual liberties.

Dissolution of States

Fear that federal consolidation would undermine local governance and create conditions for despotism.

New Constitution favors the rich

Critique that the new Constitution benefits landowners and merchants at the expense of small farmers.

New Constitution too complicated

Argument against the Constitution's complexity, claiming it undermines self-governance and creates insecurity for the people.