What was one fear expressed by the Anti-Federalists?

The concern that a strong national government could transform into a monarchy was a significant fear articulated by the Anti-Federalists during the debate over the ratification of the Constitution. They believed that the proposed Constitution concentrated too much power at the federal level, potentially diminishing the authority of state governments and the rights of individuals. This centralization of power raised alarms about the possibility of tyranny, drawing parallels to British monarchy, which they had fought against during the Revolutionary War.

Anti-Federalists feared that a powerful executive branch, particularly with a president who held considerable authority, could lead to authoritarian rule akin to monarchy. This perspective underscored their advocacy for a Bill of Rights, aimed at limiting governmental powers and safeguarding individual liberties. In essence, this fear was rooted in historical context and the desire to prevent the repetition of past grievances related to monarchical rule.