In the context of United States Advanced Placement Government coursework, the term describes individuals who opposed the ratification of the 1787 Constitution. These individuals feared that the new Constitution gave too much power to the national government and threatened the sovereignty of the states and the liberty of individuals. Prominent figures associated with this position included Patrick Henry and George Mason. Their opposition stemmed from concerns about the potential for tyranny under a strong central authority, leading them to advocate for a weaker federal system that preserved states’ rights.
The significance of this group lies in their contribution to the Bill of Rights. Their persistent concerns about the absence of explicit protections for individual liberties ultimately compelled the Federalists to pledge to add a bill of rights as amendments to the Constitution. This assurance was crucial in securing ratification. The legacy of this opposition is evident in the ongoing debates about the balance of power between the federal government and the states, and the protection of individual freedoms.