Which term describes the group that supported the Constitution during its adoption?

• A. Federalists
• B. Antifederalists
• C. Patriots
• D. Mercantilists

Answer: (A)

The main idea being tested is who supported the adoption of the Constitution. The group that urged ratification and a stronger national government were the Federalists. They believed the new framework would solve the problems of the Articles of Confederation by creating a system of checks and balances, a separation of powers, and a national legislature and executive that could handle issues like security and trade. They campaigned for approval, even publishing the Federalist Papers to persuade states.

Antifederalists opposed ratification unless a Bill of Rights was added to protect individual liberties; Patriots refers to those who fought in the American Revolution, not a stance on the Constitution’s adoption; Mercantilists describe an economic policy, not a political faction in this debate. Therefore, the term for the group that supported the Constitution during its adoption is Federalists.