Why would an Anti-Federalist have supported the statement below?

"I had rather be a free citizen of the small public republic of Virginia, than an oppressed subject of the Great empire."

a. Anti-Federalists believed in a strong state government.
b. Anti-Federalists were loyal to the King of England.
c. Anti-Federalists wanted a great American empire.
d. Anti-Federalists believed in a strong central government.

a. Anti-Federalists believed in a strong state government.