Anti-Federalists

Anti-Federalists were a group of American citizens in the late 18th century who opposed the ratification of the U.S. Constitution. They believed it gave too much power to the central government and threatened individual liberties and states' rights. They favored a more decentralized government structure and wanted protections for personal freedoms, which later led to the inclusion of the Bill of Rights. Key figures included Patrick Henry and George Mason, who argued that a strong national government could overpower local interests and undermine democracy. Their concerns shaped the early political debates in the United States.