What movement opposed a strong central government in favor of stronger state governments?

The movement that opposed a strong central government in favor of stronger state governments is Antifederalism. Antifederalists were concerned that a strong central government would threaten individual liberties and the rights of states. They advocated for a system where state governments would have more power and autonomy, fearing that centralized authority could lead to tyranny or oppression akin to what the colonies experienced under British rule.

The Antifederalists played a significant role during the debates over the ratification of the U.S. Constitution. They argued for the necessity of a Bill of Rights to safeguard individual freedoms and promote the rights of states against the potential overreach of federal authority. Their viewpoints were influential, and their concerns prompted the inclusion of the first ten amendments to the Constitution, which address various civil liberties.

Understanding Antifederalism provides insight into the ongoing balance of power between state and federal entities in the United States, highlighting foundational debates about governance that continue to resonate in political discussions today.