Which set of essays was written to oppose the proposed U.S. Constitution?

• A. Federalist Papers
• B. Anti-Federalist Papers
• C. Articles of Confederation
• D. Enlightenment

Answer: (B)

The idea being tested is opposition to a new national framework through written argument. The Anti-Federalist Papers were a collection of essays and writings that argued against ratifying the proposed U.S. Constitution, expressing concerns that a strong central government could threaten states’ powers and individual liberties. They pushed for safeguards, notably a Bill of Rights, to curb central power. This opposition shaped the ratification debate in the late 1780s and helped prompt the addition of the first ten amendments. In contrast, the Federalist Papers supported ratification, the Articles of Confederation were the earlier governing plan that the new Constitution replaced, and the Enlightenment is a broader philosophical movement, not a set of essays about the Constitution.