Question

Why was the bill of rights necessary for ratification of the constitution?

Answer 1

Anti-Federalists opposed ratification of the US Constitution. The Articles of Confederation, in place prior to the ratification of the Constitution of the United States of America, had granted stronger authority to the states. Patrick Henry and other Anti-Federalists were concerned about too much power winding up in the hands of the federal government and its executive branch, though allowing a small number of national elites to control the affairs of the USA. They feared this also would diminish the rights and freedoms of individual citizens. They wanted a Bill of Rights in the Constitution to assure that rights and freedoms would not be compromised in any way. ^w^

Answer 2

The Federalists, who wanted the Constitution ratified, had to promise to add the Bill of Rights in order to persuade people that the federal government would respect their basic rights. This was necessary in order to get the Constitution ratified.