What was the main concern of Anti-Federalists regarding government?

Anti-Federalists were primarily concerned about the potential for a strong national government to infringe upon the rights and liberties of individuals and the powers of the states. They worried that a centralized authority could lead to tyranny, similar to what they experienced under British rule. The Anti-Federalists advocated for a more decentralized form of government where states retained significant power and authority. They believed that a strong national government would overshadow state governments, diminishing local control and individual freedoms.

This concern played a critical role in the debates surrounding the ratification of the U.S. Constitution, as the Anti-Federalists pushed for amendments that would protect individual rights, resulting in the eventual adoption of the Bill of Rights. Their desire for a limitation on the powers of a national government highlights the importance they placed on preserving state sovereignty and personal liberties within the framework of governance.