Who were the primary opponents of the Ratification of the Constitution?

The primary opponents of the Ratification of the Constitution were the Anti-Federalists. This group was concerned that the Constitution concentrated too much power in a central government at the expense of individual and state rights. They argued that the lack of a Bill of Rights was a significant flaw, as it did not explicitly safeguard personal liberties. Prominent figures among the Anti-Federalists included Patrick Henry, George Mason, and Richard Henry Lee, who fervently debated against the Constitution during the ratification process. Their arguments played a crucial role in the eventual inclusion of the Bill of Rights, which addressed some of their concerns and helped secure the Constitution’s acceptance.

Understanding the Anti-Federalists' perspective is essential as it highlights the debates surrounding federalism and the balance of power that were foundational to the establishment of the United States government.