What term refers to the opposition against a strong central government during the ratification debates?

The term that refers to the opposition against a strong central government during the ratification debates is Anti-Federalism. This movement emerged in response to the proposed Constitution, as many individuals and groups expressed concerns about the potential for centralized power to encroach upon individual liberties and states' rights. Anti-Federalists argued that the Constitution would create an overpowering national government that could undermine the autonomy of the states and the rights of the citizens.

Leading figures of the Anti-Federalist movement included notable individuals like Patrick Henry and George Mason, who emphasized the importance of a Bill of Rights to protect individual freedoms and limit government power. Their position highlighted a significant philosophical divide about the role and extent of government, which played a vital role in shaping the Constitution and its subsequent amendments. The eventual compromise of including the Bill of Rights was a direct response to the concerns raised by the Anti-Federalists.

In contrast, the other terms have different meanings and contexts. Federalism refers to the distribution of power between national and state governments, Conservatism is a political ideology emphasizing tradition and gradual change, and Libertarianism advocates for minimal government intervention in personal and economic matters. Each of these concepts is distinct from the Anti-Federalist opposition to a strong central government.