In a paragraph, explain how the Bill of Rights made it possible for the Anti-Federalists to support the Constitution. Why was it added? What problem with the Constitution did it solve? (4 points)

Answer 1

The Bill of Rights, comprising the first ten amendments to the Constitution, was crucial in persuading the Anti-Federalists to support the ratification of the Constitution. The Anti-Federalists were initially concerned that the new federal government would possess too much power and threaten individual liberties. The promise to add a Bill of Rights addressed these fears by explicitly safeguarding essential freedoms, such as speech, religion, and the right to bear arms, thus limiting governmental power over personal rights. This addition alleviated concerns about potential government overreach, bridging the divide between Federalists and Anti-Federalists and fostering broader support for the Constitution as a balanced framework that protected individual liberties while maintaining effective governance.