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The Anti-Federalists were opponents of the ratification of the [[U.S. Constitution]] in the late 1780s.  Anti-Federalists included prominent Founders or Patriots such as [[George Mason]], [[Patrick Henry]] and future President [[James Monroe]].

The '''Anti-Federalists''' were opponents of the ratification of the [[U.S. Constitution]] in the late 1780s.  Anti-Federalists included prominent Founders or Patriots such as [[George Mason]], [[Patrick Henry]] and future President [[James Monroe]].

The Anti-Federalists argued that the Constitution would create a new federal government that was too powerful.  In response to those who supported the Constitution by claiming that it limited federal power, the Anti-Federalists cited two gaping holes in the limitation on federal power:  the [[Necessary and Proper Clause]] and the [[Supreme Court]].  Congress could interfere with the rights of states and the people using the former, and the Supreme Court could construe federal power very broadly.  History proved the Anti-Federalists right in some respects.

The Anti-Federalists argued that the Constitution would create a new federal government that was too powerful.  In response to those who supported the Constitution by claiming that it limited federal power, the Anti-Federalists cited two gaping holes in the limitation on federal power:  the [[Necessary and Proper Clause]] and the [[Supreme Court]].  Congress could interfere with the rights of states and the people using the former, and the Supreme Court could construe federal power very broadly.  History proved the Anti-Federalists right in some respects.

Just as supporters of ratification of the U.S. Constitution wrote under pseudonyms, Anti-Federalists did also.  Names used included [[Brutus]] and [[Federal Farmer]].

Just as supporters of ratification of the U.S. Constitution wrote under pseudonyms, Anti-Federalists did also.  Names used included [[Brutus]] and [[Federal Farmer]].

[[Category:history]]

[[Category:United States History]]