Antifederalists were described as which of the following?

• A. Supporters of a strong central government
• B. Opponents of ratification of the Constitution and of a strong central government, generally. Called for a Bill of Rights
• C. Military leaders who supported the war
• D. An early political party in the United States

Answer: (B)

Antifederalists viewed the proposed Constitution as concentrating too much power in a central government and potentially eroding the authority of the states and the rights of individuals. Their main aim was to prevent ratification unless explicit protections for liberty were added. They argued that without a Bill of Rights, liberty could be invaded by a strong national government, so they pushed for clear, binding rights to restrain federal power.

This is why describing them as opponents of ratification and of a strong central government, who generally called for a Bill of Rights, fits best. They were not proponents of a powerful national government, which would contradict their core stance. They were not defined primarily as military leaders, nor did they constitute an official political party; they were a loose opposition movement centered on constitutional ratification and protections for individual rights.