The Anti-Federalist Papers were a series of writings opposing the ratification of the U.S. Constitution. These documents emphasized concerns about a strong central government potentially infringing on individual liberties and states’ rights. The authors argued for the importance of decentralization and warned against potential tyranny, advocating for a Bill of Rights to safeguard citizens’ freedoms. Their influence helped shape the constitutional debate, ultimately leading to the adoption of the first ten amendments, highlighting the crucial role of public discourse in shaping governance and protecting civil liberties.