Oppose

Definition

To be against or disagree with something. In the context of ratifying the U.S.A's Constitution, it means to have objections or reservations about approving and accepting it as the supreme law of the land.

Related terms

Anti-Federalists: Individuals who opposed the ratification of the U.S.A's Constitution due to concerns about centralized power and lack of explicit protection for individual rights.

States' Rights: The idea that states should have certain powers and authority separate from the federal government.

Bill of Rights: A set of amendments added to the U.S.A's Constitution shortly after its ratification to address concerns raised by those who opposed it. The Bill of Rights guarantees individual liberties and limits governmental power.