Which group opposed ratification of the Constitution due to fears of centralized power and lack of protection for individual rights?

• A. Federalists
• B. Anti-Federalists
• C. Patriots
• D. Loyalists

Answer: (B)

The group opposing ratification because of fears of a strong central government and a lack of guaranteed rights is the Anti-Federalists. They worried that the new Constitution would concentrate too much power in a national authority, potentially eroding states’ sovereignty and individual liberties. They argued that without a Bill of Rights to explicitly protect basic freedoms—such as speech, religion, and due process—the people could be at risk of government overreach. Their pressure helped lead to the inclusion of the Bill of Rights as amendments to reassure critics and secure broader support for ratification. In contrast, Federalists supported ratification, arguing that a stronger central government was necessary and that protections for rights could be added through future amendments. Patriots were those who supported independence from Britain, and Loyalists remained loyal to the Crown; neither group centers on the constitutional ratification debate in the way the Anti-Federalists did.