| The Anti-Federalist Papers |
The Anti-Federalist Papers are a collection of articles, written in
opposition to the ratification of the 1787 United States
Constitution. Unlike the Federalist Papers written in support of
the Constitution, the authors of these articles, mostly operating
under pen names, were not engaged in a strictly organized
project. Thus, unlike the Federalist Papers, it is a matter of
opinion what writings specifically are included and in what order
they are best presented. Major Anti-Federalist authors included
Cato (likely George Clinton), Brutus (likely Robert Yates),
Centinel (Samuel Bryan), and the Federal Farmer (either
Melancton Smith, Richard Henry Lee, or Mercy Otis Warren).
Speeches by Patrick Henry and Smith are often included as well.
One of the major points of the articles was the danger the new
Constitution would bring without a statement of individual rights.
Some of the Anti-Federalist concerns were addressed in the Bill
of Rights, which was added later.
opposition to the ratification of the 1787 United States
Constitution. Unlike the Federalist Papers written in support of
the Constitution, the authors of these articles, mostly operating
under pen names, were not engaged in a strictly organized
project. Thus, unlike the Federalist Papers, it is a matter of
opinion what writings specifically are included and in what order
they are best presented. Major Anti-Federalist authors included
Cato (likely George Clinton), Brutus (likely Robert Yates),
Centinel (Samuel Bryan), and the Federal Farmer (either
Melancton Smith, Richard Henry Lee, or Mercy Otis Warren).
Speeches by Patrick Henry and Smith are often included as well.
One of the major points of the articles was the danger the new
Constitution would bring without a statement of individual rights.
Some of the Anti-Federalist concerns were addressed in the Bill
of Rights, which was added later.