GED Social Studies TestCivics and GovernmentMedium
A historian is examining the debates during the ratification of the U.S. Constitution. They note that a significant concern among some opponents was the fear that a strong central government would infringe upon individual liberties and state powers. To address these concerns and secure ratification, what crucial addition was promised and subsequently made to the Constitution?
- AThe Articles of Confederation
- BThe Federalist Papers
- CThe Bill of Rights
- DThe Emancipation Proclamation
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: C. The Bill of Rights
Opponents of the Constitution (Anti-Federalists) feared a strong central government. To assuage these concerns and secure ratification, Federalists promised to add a Bill of Rights, which explicitly enumerates individual liberties and limits federal power.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. The Articles of Confederation were the previous, weaker governing document, which the Constitution replaced.
- B. The Federalist Papers were essays written to advocate for the ratification of the Constitution, not an addition to it.
- D. The Emancipation Proclamation was issued during the Civil War to free enslaved people in Confederate states, much later than the Constitution's ratification.
Bill of Rights (Ratification)
The Bill of Rights, comprising the first ten amendments to the U.S. Constitution, was added to guarantee individual liberties and address Anti-Federalist concerns, ultimately securing the Constitution's ratification.
- Proposed by James Madison
- Ratified in 1791
- Lists specific prohibitions on governmental power
- A crucial compromise between Federalists and Anti-Federalists
- Ensures protections like freedom of speech, religion, and due process
Memory trick: The Bill of Rights was the right move to secure ratification.