Question

read the excerpt and answer the question.
in forming a constitution for such a consolidated government, great care should be taken to limit and define its powers, adjust its parts, and guard against an abuse of authority. ... the principles, therefore, upon which the social compact is founded, ought to have been clearly and precisely stated, and the most express and full declaration of rights to have been made — but on this subject there is almost an entire silence.
—anti - federalist no. 84
according to the excerpt, what was one of the primary concerns of the anti - federalists opposing the ratification of the constitution?
a. the lack of a separation of powers among the branches of the federal government
b. the lack of an amendment process ensuring the document’s continued relevance
c. the lack of a bill of rights prohibiting government infringement on natural rights
d. the lack of an acknowledgement that government power comes from the people

Explanation:

The excerpt from Anti-Federalist No. 84 argues that a clear statement of social compact principles and a full declaration of rights was missing from the Constitution, with "almost an entire silence" on this subject. This directly aligns with the Anti-Federalists' demand for a bill of rights to protect natural rights from government overreach. Option A is incorrect because the Constitution did include separation of powers; Option B is incorrect as the Constitution had an amendment process; Option D is incorrect because the Constitution's preamble and structure implied government power comes from the people.

Answer:

C. the lack of a bill of rights prohibiting government infringement on natural rights