Who opposed the Federalists during the ratification of the Constitution?

The Anti-Federalists were the key group that opposed the Federalists during the ratification of the Constitution. Their main concerns revolved around the perceived danger of a strong central government, which they believed could undermine the rights of states and individuals. They argued that the original Constitution lacked sufficient protections for individual liberties, leading to calls for a Bill of Rights. Prominent figures among the Anti-Federalists included Patrick Henry and George Mason, who raised objections about the potential for governmental overreach.

In contrast, the Federalists advocated for the Constitution, arguing that a stronger national government was necessary to maintain order, provide for common defense, and promote economic growth. This foundational debate between Federalists and Anti-Federalists shaped the political landscape of the early United States and ultimately led to the adoption of the first ten amendments to the Constitution, known as the Bill of Rights, to address some of the concerns raised by the opposition.