Who were the prominent Anti-Federalists?

The prominent Anti-Federalists included figures such as Thomas Jefferson, Patrick Henry, and Richard H. Lee, who played significant roles in the movement opposing the ratification of the U.S. Constitution in the late 18th century. Anti-Federalists expressed concerns over the potential for a strong central government to infringe on individual liberties and the rights of the states. They advocated for a Bill of Rights to ensure that individual freedoms would be explicitly protected.

Jefferson and Henry were particularly vocal in their opposition, with Henry famously stating, "Give me liberty, or give me death!" which encapsulated the Anti-Federalist desire to preserve autonomy and freedom from perceived tyranny. Richard H. Lee contributed to the discourse by emphasizing the necessity of civil liberties and the dangers of excessive government power.

In contrast, the other options list figures who were generally aligned with Federalist ideals or held positions that did not reflect the Anti-Federalist perspective. Understanding these key historical figures and their arguments provides insight into the foundational debates that shaped the early American political landscape.