During the ratification debates, those who opposed the Constitution feared it would:

During the ratification debates, those who opposed the Constitution feared it would:

• A. Lead to a large national debt
• B. Weaken the power of the states
• C. End majority rule among citizens
• D. Be the first step in the establishment of a monarchy

Answer: (B)

The main idea being tested is the concern over state sovereignty in the ratification debates. Those who opposed the Constitution worried that a stronger national government would take away much of the states’ power, making state laws and local decisions subordinate to federal authority. They feared this centralization would limit states’ autonomy in handling their own affairs, even though it would create a more unified national system. While other worries circulated—such as the risk of tyranny or the potential for debt—the strongest and most consistent fear among opponents was that the states would be weakened by a powerful central government.

The main idea being tested is the concern over state sovereignty in the ratification debates. Those who opposed the Constitution worried that a stronger national government would take away much of the states’ power, making state laws and local decisions subordinate to federal authority. They feared this centralization would limit states’ autonomy in handling their own affairs, even though it would create a more unified national system. While other worries circulated—such as the risk of tyranny or the potential for debt—the strongest and most consistent fear among opponents was that the states would be weakened by a powerful central government.