In the context of United States government Advanced Placement coursework, this term identifies individuals who opposed the ratification of the 1787 Constitution. These individuals, diverse in their backgrounds and motivations, shared a common concern that the proposed framework granted excessive power to the national government, potentially at the expense of states’ rights and individual liberties. A notable example of such individuals includes Patrick Henry, who vocally opposed the Constitution in Virginia, arguing against the consolidation of power in a central authority.
Understanding the position is crucial for grasping the historical debates surrounding the formation of the U.S. government. Their arguments led to the inclusion of the Bill of Rights, addressing concerns about the protection of individual liberties. This addition, securing fundamental rights such as freedom of speech and religion, was a direct result of the pressure exerted by those who feared an overreaching national government. The legacy of these concerns continues to resonate in contemporary debates about federalism and the balance of power between national and state entities.
