The Antifederalists, often written off as the losers of the debate over ratifying the Constitution, were a part of the political culture of the times, and offered claims and arguments that shaped what went into the Constitution, how it was eventually ratified, and some of the first steps taken by the new government. Thus, understanding their concerns and arguments is no only essential to understanding the Constitution and early republic, but also to many political and constitutional debates (and fights) since.

Suggested Readings:

• Cato I