Anti-Federalist Concerns about Individual Rights

Medium Unit 1: Foundations Of Democracy Anti-federalist Papers

In the debates over the ratification of the U.S. Constitution, the Anti-Federalists raised several critical points against a strong central government. One major concern articulated in the Anti-Federalist Papers was the potential for a national government to become too powerful and infringe upon the rights of individuals and states. This central theme is evident in various writings, including those attributed to prominent Anti-Federalists like Patrick Henry and George Mason.

Which of the following statements best captures a central argument made by the Anti-Federalists in their opposition to the ratification of the Constitution?

A strong central government is necessary to ensure the national defense against foreign threats.

The proposed Constitution lacks a Bill of Rights to protect individual liberties.

State governments should have less power in favor of a unified national policy.

The central government needs broad powers to regulate commerce between states.

Hint

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