Final answer:
The Constitution lacked a Bill of Rights, raising concerns about potential abuse of power by a strong central government and threats to individual liberties, which were significant disadvantages debated during its ratification. Option D is correct.
Step-by-step explanation:
A significant disadvantage of the Constitution as originally written, which was a focal point in the debates, was that it lacked a Bill of Rights. The Anti-Federalists feared a strong central government and the potential for it to infringe upon individual rights and liberties. They pressed for a guarantee of these rights, resulting in the promise and eventual addition of the Bill of Rights, which addressed this significant concern.
The framers had intended to forge a new governance system with the power to tax, raise armies, and enforce laws—aspects lacking under the Articles of Confederation. However, the increased power given to the central government under the Constitution also raised fears, such as those expressed by Patrick Henry and George Mason, that it could become like the regime they fought against, threatening states' authority and citizens' liberties without a written guarantee of individual rights.