Why did the Antifederalists demand a Bill of Rights?

• A. They feared a strong central government and the constitution would threaten individual rights
• B. They wanted a stronger central government
• C. They favored direct democracy
• D. They wanted to dissolve the union

Answer: (A)

Antifederalists pushed for a Bill of Rights because they feared a strong central government could threaten individual liberties. They argued the Constitution gave the new federal government broad powers and didn’t explicitly guarantee basic rights, so protections might be left to chance or to state governments. A Bill of Rights would spell out essential freedoms—such as speech, religion, and due process—and place clear limits on federal authority, easing fears of government overreach and helping secure support for ratification. The other options don’t fit their stance: they weren’t aiming for a stronger central government, they weren’t promoting direct democracy, and they did not want to dissolve the union.