Who were the Anti-Federalists?

The Anti-Federalists were primarily known as opponents of the Constitution during the late 18th century. Their concerns centered around the potential for a strong central government to infringe upon individual liberties and the rights of states. They believed that the proposed Constitution favored federal authority over state sovereignty and lacking a Bill of Rights to safeguard citizens' freedoms was a significant flaw.

This group included notable figures like Patrick Henry and George Mason, who argued for greater protections of individual rights and were instrumental in the eventual addition of the Bill of Rights to the Constitution. Their resistance to the Constitution's ratification played a crucial role in shaping the discussions around governance in the early United States, highlighting the importance of balancing power between state and federal governments while protecting civil liberties.