AntiFederalists

The Anti-Federalists were a political faction in the United States during the late 18th century that opposed the ratification of the Constitution. They feared that the strong central government created by the Constitution would become too powerful and threaten individual liberties, similar to the monarchy they had just overthrown. Key figures associated with the Anti-Federalists included Patrick Henry, George Mason, and Melancton Smith.

A primary concern of the Anti-Federalists was the absence of a Bill of Rights in the original Constitution. They argued that without explicit protections for individual freedoms such as speech, religion, and due process, the new federal government could easily infringe upon these rights. They also worried about the potential for the executive branch to become a tyrannical force and the lack of direct representation for the common people in the federal legislature.

The Anti-Federalists published numerous essays and pamphlets, collectively known as the Anti-Federalist Papers, to voice their objections and persuade the public. While they ultimately lost the debate over ratification, their persistent advocacy led to the subsequent adoption of the Bill of Rights, comprised of the first ten amendments to the Constitution, which addressed many of their core concerns and remains a cornerstone of American civil liberties.