The greatest achievement of the Anti-Federalists was the incorporation of the Bill of Rights into the United States Constitution.
During the late 18th century, the Anti-Federalists were a diverse group who opposed the strong central government proposed by the Federalists. Their primary concern was that the Constitution did not include explicit protections for individual liberties. They believed that without these protections, the federal government could become tyrannical.
As a result of their activism and insistence on the necessity of safeguarding personal freedoms, the Anti-Federalists contributed to a significant compromise. This culminated in the addition of the first ten amendments, known collectively as the Bill of Rights, which were ratified in 1791. These amendments guarantee various freedoms, such as speech, assembly, and the right to a fair trial, thereby ensuring that individual rights are protected against government infringement.
Thus, the Anti-Federalists’ persistent advocacy for civil liberties not only shaped the debate surrounding the formation of the new nation but also laid the groundwork for constitutional protections that continue to be vital to American democracy today.