Question

which of the following beliefs did the federalists hold, and which did the antifederalists hold?
match each faction to its beliefs.

antifederalists
federalists

believed that most governments became \aristocratic\
wanted to limit the power of the national government
believed that direct democracy was problematic
preferred small republics of existing states

Explanation:

Analyze Antifederalist beliefs

Antifederalists feared centralized power, believing that large national governments naturally became aristocratic and distant from the people. To prevent tyranny, they advocated for limiting the power of the national government and preferred keeping sovereignty within small republics (the individual states).

Analyze Federalist beliefs

Federalists favored a stronger national government to ensure stability and order. They were highly skeptical of direct democracy, viewing it as unstable and prone to the "tyranny of the majority" or factionalism, which is why they designed a representative republic with checks and balances.

Match factions to beliefs

• "believed that most governments became 'aristocratic'": Antifederalists
• "wanted to limit the power of the national government": Antifederalists
• "believed that direct democracy was problematic": Federalists
• "preferred small republics of existing states": Antifederalists

Answer:

• Antifederalists:
• believed that most governments became "aristocratic"
• wanted to limit the power of the national government
• preferred small republics of existing states

• Federalists:
• believed that direct democracy was problematic