Final answer:
The Anti-Federalists feared a strong central government, excessive power in the presidency, the possibility of high taxes and forced military conflict, and a lack of a Bill of Rights protecting individual liberties. They were also concerned with the secrecy during the Constitutional Convention and feared that the federal government would favor the elite over the general populace.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Anti-Federalists had several significant concerns about ratifying the Constitution. One major fear was the potential for a centralized federal government to become tyrannical, similar to British rule prior to the American Revolution. They were worried about the creation of a strong national government that could impose heavy taxes and drag the country into wars. Patrick Henry, a notable Anti-Federalist, feared that the new presidential office would concentrate too much power in the hands of one individual and argued that the right to tax should remain with the states.
Another concern was the lack of protection for individual rights and freedoms, as the Constitution did not include a Bill of Rights. This fear led to demands for its addition, with some states conditioning their ratification on this requirement. Furthermore, the Anti-Federalists were skeptical of the Constitutional Convention's secrecy and the perceived extra-legal procedures used to facilitate ratification.
Anti-Federalists also distrusted the elite and believed that a strong federal government would favor the wealthy over the average citizens, mirroring Melancton Smith's views. They placed their faith in state legislatures to safeguard their freedoms. Despite these fears, the Federalist campaign, supported by the Federalist Papers, managed to quell concerns, leading to the Constitution's ratification and subsequent promise of adding a Bill of Rights.