The Antifederalists

In 1787, a great debate raged in America over whether or not to ratify the newly-proposed Constitution. Arguing against ratification were such patriotic luminaries as Samuel Adams, Patrick Henry, and George Clinton. Known as Anti-Federalists, they opposed the Constitution on the grounds that it consolidated too much power in the hands of a central governing -body-something the nation had just fought a war to escape.

The Antifederalists: Men of Great Faith and Forbearance couples a wide variety of Antifederalist documents with insightful commentary to provide the first truly representative and up-to-date work on this important political group. David J. Siemers's carefully selected works and clear explanations bring out the variety among Antifederalists and the chronological development of the ratification fight. The result is a fuller portrait of the Antifederalists, ideal for students, historians, and everyone interested in America's founding period.