What term refers to individuals who opposed the Constitution, fearing it limited rights?

The term that refers to individuals who opposed the Constitution, fearing it limited rights, is indeed Anti-Federalists. This group emerged during the debate over the ratification of the Constitution in the late 18th century. Anti-Federalists were concerned that the new Constitution created a federal government that was too powerful and might infringe upon the liberties and rights of individuals and states. They argued for the inclusion of a Bill of Rights to safeguard personal freedoms against potential government overreach.

In contrast, Federalists supported the Constitution as it was, believing it created a strong framework for the government that would effectively address the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation. Constitutionalists generally refer to those who advocate for adherence to the Constitution, while Libertarians are focused on individual liberty and minimal government intervention, a philosophy that is aligned with some Anti-Federalist principles but is not synonymous with the historic context of the Anti-Federalists. Thus, the distinction lies in the specific historical opposition to the Constitution that the Anti-Federalists represent.