In debates over the U.S. Constitution, which group argued against ratification?

• A. Federalists
• B. Supporters
• C. Delegates
• D. Anti-Federalists

Answer: (D)

Understanding who opposed ratification helps explain how the Constitution was shaped. The Anti-Federalists argued against ratification because they feared a strong central government would erode states’ rights and civil liberties. They worried there wasn’t enough protection for individual rights in the document as originally written, since it lacked a Bill of Rights. Their stance was to slow or block ratification unless protections for liberty were added, or they preferred keeping the weaker government under the Articles of Confederation. By contrast, Federalists supported ratification, arguing that a stronger national government was necessary for unity and security.

So, the group that argued against ratification is the Anti-Federalists. The other labels are too vague or refer to groups that supported, rather than opposed, ratification.