Which group opposed a strong central government during the formation of the United States?

The Anti-Federalists were a group that opposed a strong central government during the formation of the United States in the late 18th century. Their main concern was that a powerful central government would threaten individual liberties and the rights of the states. They believed that the proposed Constitution gave too much power to the federal government at the expense of the states and lacked sufficient protections for individual rights. This perspective was influential during the ratification debates of the Constitution, leading to the promise that a Bill of Rights would be added to ensure specific protections for citizens.

The Federalists, on the other hand, supported the Constitution and a stronger national government, arguing that it was necessary for maintaining order and facilitating a functioning democracy. The Democratic-Republicans emerged later and advocated for a more limited federal government but were not the primary opposition group during the original formation of the government. The Whigs appeared even later in the 19th century and were focused on different political issues, not directly related to the establishment of the government structure at the nation's founding.