- Supported a strong central government
- Believed that the Constitution was necessary to create a more perfect union
- Wanted to give the federal government more power to regulate interstate commerce and to tax citizens
- Were often wealthy landowners and merchants who wanted a stable economy and a strong national defense
Anti-Federalists:
- Opposed a strong central government
- Believed that the Constitution gave the federal government too much power and that it would lead to tyranny
- Wanted to limit the powers of the federal government and to protect states' rights
- Were often farmers and laborers who feared that a strong central government would favor the interests of the wealthy and powerful