The impact of the Great Debate between the Federalists and Anti-Federalists regarding the ratification of the U.S. Constitution is best captured by the response: Americans recognized that the Constitution was a document that could be modified when necessary.
This perspective highlights how the debate illuminated the need for a flexible framework that could evolve over time. While the Federalists advocated for a strong central government and the necessity of the Constitution for a unified nation, the Anti-Federalists raised concerns about potential government overreach and the lack of explicit protections for individual rights.
Ultimately, the debate led to the inclusion of the Bill of Rights as a compromise to address these concerns, reflecting an understanding that the Constitution was not immutable but rather a living document that could adapt to the needs and liberties of the citizens. This recognition of the Constitution's amendability has had lasting implications for American governance and civil rights, fostering a culture of political discourse and evolution throughout U.S. history.