Which group did NOT support ratification of the Constitution?

Which group did NOT support ratification of the Constitution?

• A. Anti-Federalists
• B. Federalists
• C. Both
• D. Neither

Answer: (A)

During the ratification debates, the group that stood against approving the new framework for the U.S. government was the Anti-Federalists. They argued that the Constitution gave too much power to a central government and endangered states’ rights and individual liberties. They wanted stronger protections, which is why they pushed for a Bill of Rights before they'd support ratification. The Federalists, in contrast, supported ratification, believing a stronger national government was necessary and that rights would be protected through later amendments. Since there was clear opposition from the Anti-Federalists, they are the group that did not support ratification. The other options don’t fit because Federalists did support ratification, and saying both or neither would misstate the historical positions.

During the ratification debates, the group that stood against approving the new framework for the U.S. government was the Anti-Federalists. They argued that the Constitution gave too much power to a central government and endangered states’ rights and individual liberties. They wanted stronger protections, which is why they pushed for a Bill of Rights before they'd support ratification. The Federalists, in contrast, supported ratification, believing a stronger national government was necessary and that rights would be protected through later amendments. Since there was clear opposition from the Anti-Federalists, they are the group that did not support ratification. The other options don’t fit because Federalists did support ratification, and saying both or neither would misstate the historical positions.