What did Antifederalists primarily fear?

Antifederalists primarily feared the concentration of power among elites, as their core belief was that a strong centralized government could lead to tyranny and diminish the rights of individual states and citizens. They were concerned that a powerful national government would be dominated by wealthy and influential figures, thereby eroding democratic principles and the voice of the common people. Their opposition to the Constitution stemmed from the belief that it would create an imbalance of power, making it difficult for ordinary citizens to have a meaningful impact on governance. This fear of elite domination was rooted in historical experiences with British rule and the desire to protect personal liberties and state sovereignty. They advocated for smaller, more localized forms of governance that would better reflect the needs and rights of the populace.