Antifederalists

Real World Example

The Antifederalists were a group of people who opposed the new US Constitution in the late 1780s because they feared it gave too much power to the national government at the expense of states' rights. They were important because they pushed for the addition of the Bill of Rights, which guaranteed individual freedoms and protected citizens from government overreach. Their actions mattered because they helped ensure that the new government would respect personal liberties, a crucial factor in gaining public support for the Constitution. Today, their legacy is seen in our everyday lives through the first ten amendments, like the freedom of speech and religion, which allow people to express themselves and practice their beliefs freely. For instance, when students voice their opinions in school newspapers or communities hold peaceful protests, they are exercising rights protected thanks to the Antifederalists' insistence on the Bill of Rights.