Question

Highlight ideas in this passage that show why the Anti-Federalists objected to the Constitution.

If it were possible to consolidate the states, and preserve the features of a free government . . . [w]ealth, offices, and the benefits of government would collect in the center: and the extreme states . . . become much less important. . . . I still believe a complete federal bill of rights to be very practicable.

Which reasons below explain why the Anti-Federalists objected to the Constitution? Check all that apply

Power would be too centralized.
A bill of rights was included.
States would become less powerful.
A bill of rights was not included.
States would become more powerful.

Answer 1

Select:
- Power would be too centralized. (Yes — “wealth, offices, and the benefits of government would collect in the center.”)
- States would become less powerful. (Yes — “the extreme states … become much less important.”)
- A bill of rights was not included. (Yes — the speaker argues “I still believe a complete federal bill of rights to be very practicable,” implying one was lacking.)

Do not select:
- A bill of rights was included. (No.)
- States would become more powerful. (No.)