GED Social Studies TestCivics and GovernmentHard
A political science student is analyzing the historical context of the U.S. Constitution and the debates between Federalists and Anti-Federalists. They note that the Anti-Federalists were particularly concerned about the lack of explicit protections for individual liberties and the potential for a powerful national government to infringe upon citizens' rights. Which major addition to the Constitution addressed these specific concerns?
- AArticle III (Judicial Branch)
- BThe Electoral College
- CThe Preamble
- DThe Bill of Rights
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. The Bill of Rights
The Anti-Federalists' primary concern was the absence of a bill of rights to safeguard individual liberties against potential government overreach. The subsequent addition of the Bill of Rights directly addressed these fears and was crucial for the Constitution's ratification.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Article III establishes the judicial branch, which was a point of debate but not the core Anti-Federalist concern regarding individual rights.
- B. The Electoral College deals with the method of electing the President and was a compromise during the Constitutional Convention, unrelated to individual liberties.
- C. The Preamble outlines the goals of the Constitution but does not provide explicit protections for individual liberties.
Anti-Federalist Concerns & Bill of Rights
Anti-Federalists opposed the Constitution without a Bill of Rights, fearing a powerful federal government would suppress individual liberties. The Bill of Rights was added to explicitly protect these rights.
- Anti-Federalists advocated for states' rights and individual freedoms
- Feared a strong central government without checks on power
- The Bill of Rights was a compromise to ensure ratification of the Constitution
Memory trick: Anti-Federalists worried about rights, so the 'Bill' came to the rescue.