Final answer:
Anti-Federalists were reluctant to sign the Constitution due to fears of central government tyranny, absence of a Bill of Rights, and concerns over representation in Congress. Promises by Federalists to add a Bill of Rights later were key to its eventual ratification.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Anti-Federalists were reluctant to sign the new Constitution primarily because of their fear of a strong central government, which they believed could lead to tyranny, much like the British rule they had recently overthrown. They were also worried about the lack of a Bill of Rights to safeguard individual liberties and the overly powerful federal government that the Constitution seemed to create, potentially placing too much power in the hands of the wealthy elite and leaving ordinary citizens and states with little control.
Virginia's George Mason and Patrick Henry were prominent Anti-Federalists who campaigned vigorously against ratification until a Bill of Rights was assured. Moreover, There was also a concern that the Constitution's proposed representation in Congress would not be adequate for a growing nation. As a response to these concerns, the Federalists, who advocated for a stronger central government, promised to add a Bill of Rights soon after the Constitution was ratified, which was instrumental in securing broader support.