Social Studies Praxis Practice Test

What was the principal source of opposition to the ratification of the Constitution?

1. Fear of a large national debt.

2. Fear of weakening state power.

3. Fear of ending majority rule.

4. Fear of establishing a monarchy.

The correct answer is: Fear of weakening state power.

The principal source of opposition to the ratification of the Constitution was largely rooted in the fear of weakening state power. This concern was predominant among the Anti-Federalists, who argued that a strong central government could overshadow the authority and autonomy of individual states. They believed that the new Constitution provided insufficient protections for state sovereignty and could lead to an overreach of federal power in the lives of citizens. This was a significant sentiment following the Revolutionary War, where many had fought against what they perceived as tyranny from a distant central authority. Opponents worried that the new government could impose uniform laws that did not take into account the diverse needs of individual states. Their fears were amplified by the lack of a Bill of Rights in the original Constitution, which they believed was necessary to safeguard against potential federal abuses of power. These concerns ultimately led to the call for amendments, resulting in the Bill of Rights being added shortly after ratification to address these anxieties and affirm the importance of protecting state and individual rights.