Final answer:
Supporters of the Constitution during its ratification were called Federalists, who advocated for a strong central government. Their opponents, known as Anti-Federalists, sought protections for individual rights and favored a weaker national government with stronger state sovereignties.
Step-by-step explanation:
The supporters of the Constitution during the ratification period were known as the Federalists. They aimed to persuade the American populace of the benefits of a strong centralized government, as opposed to retaining stronger state sovereignties. The Federalists, which included prominent figures like Alexander Hamilton and James Madison, actively engaged in a campaign to sway public opinion toward ratification.
On the other hand, their opponents were termed Anti-Federalists. These individuals were wary of the potential for central government overreach and the loss of individual and state rights. This concern led them to demand a bill of rights as a condition for ratification to protect citizens against potential government tyranny. The struggle between these two groups highlighted the deep ideological divides of the time and shaped the early political landscape of the United States.
In the fierce public debate, the Federalists outlined a vision of a more united republic while the Anti-Federalists feared the creation of a government similar to the British monarchy they had fought against, arguing that the Constitution expanded the powers of the elite at the expense of the citizens and the states.