Who advocated for a decentralized government with power resting with the states?

The Anti-Federalists advocated for a decentralized government with power resting primarily with the states. They were concerned about the potential for a strong central government to infringe on individual liberties and the rights of states. Their arguments emphasized the importance of local governance and the belief that state governments are more responsive and accountable to their constituents than a distant federal authority. The Anti-Federalists played a crucial role in shaping the early discussions around federalism in the United States, pushing for the inclusion of a Bill of Rights to protect individual freedoms and limit the federal government's power. This commitment to state sovereignty and local control is a defining characteristic of their political philosophy.