Question

Which of the following was an argument used by Anti-Federalists in the debate over ratification of the U.S. Constitution?

A. They believed the Constitution gave too much power to the individual states.
B. They were concerned that the Constitution did not provide for a strong executive branch.
C. They argued that the Constitution lacked a Bill of Rights to protect individual liberties.
D. They supported a strong federal government with broad powers.

Answer 1

The Anti-Federalists argued that the U.S. Constitution lacked a Bill of Rights to protect individual liberties and that it gave too much power to the federal government, leading to their demand for amendments ensuring the protection of citizen rights.

Step-by-step explanation:

One of the Anti-Federalists' main arguments during the debate over ratification of the U.S. Constitution was their concern that the Constitution lacked a Bill of Rights to protect individual liberties. They feared that without a Bill of Rights, a national government might become tyrannical, an anxiety stemming from their recent experience under British rule. This apprehension was a central issue leading to demands for amendments that would specifically safeguard the rights of citizens.

The Anti-Federalists were worried about the balance of power between the states and the federal government, arguing that the Constitution gave too much authority to the central government at the expense of the states. They were also uneasy about the potential for the legislative and executive branches to exercise unchecked power. Furthermore, they contended that representation in Congress would be insufficient for the growing population of the country.