What significant document did the Anti-Federalists advocate for before ratifying the Constitution?

The Anti-Federalists were a group that opposed the ratification of the U.S. Constitution, primarily concerned about the potential for the federal government to become too powerful and infringe upon individual liberties. They believed that a Bill of Rights, which would explicitly outline and protect the rights of individuals, was essential to safeguard against government overreach.

The advocacy for a Bill of Rights became a significant factor in the ratification debates. The Anti-Federalists argued that without such a safeguard, citizens would lack fundamental protections for their freedoms, such as freedom of speech, freedom of religion, and the right to fair trial, among others. Their insistence on a Bill of Rights contributed to the eventual promise by Federalists that amendments to the Constitution would be made to address these concerns, which helped facilitate the ratification process.

This understanding highlights the crucial role that the Bill of Rights played in American political history, as it was adopted shortly after the Constitution was ratified, serving as a critical assurance of individual liberties in the new framework of government.