What was the primary concern of the Anti-Federalists regarding the new Constitution?

The primary concern of the Anti-Federalists regarding the new Constitution was the lack of a bill of rights. They believed that without explicit protections for individual liberties and rights, the government could potentially abuse its power and infringe upon the freedoms of citizens. The Anti-Federalists argued that a bill of rights was essential to safeguard fundamental rights such as freedom of speech, religion, and assembly, ensuring that these rights would not be violated by the federal government.

The Anti-Federalists anticipated that the new Constitution, which significantly strengthened the federal government and reduced the powers of the states, posed a threat to individual liberties. Their concerns ultimately led to the promise of an amendment to the Constitution that would include a bill of rights, which was fulfilled with the adoption of the first ten amendments, known as the Bill of Rights, shortly after the Constitution was ratified. This addition addressed the Anti-Federalists' fears and helped to foster a broader acceptance of the Constitution among the states.