Which political philosophy is best reflected by the quote regarding consolidation into a single empire?

The political philosophy best reflected by the idea of consolidation into a single empire aligns with the Anti-Federalists. This group was concerned about the potential for a strong central government to overpower state authority and infringe on individual rights and liberties. They believed that such consolidation could lead to tyranny, as power would be concentrated in a distant federal government rather than being distributed among various state governments that were closer to the people's needs.

Anti-Federalists advocated for a more decentralized government structure, emphasizing the importance of local governance and the protection of individual rights. Their perspective was that a singular empire, with all power consolidated, would diminish the democratic principles they valued, leading to governance that could become detached from the will of the people. This philosophy often positioned them in opposition to the Federalists, who supported a stronger national government.

Understanding this context clarifies why the Anti-Federalists' emphasis on the dangers of centralization closely relates to concerns about consolidation into a single governing body or empire.