The Anti-Federalists. Patrick Henry, Opposer of the Constitution. In the ratification debate, the Anti-Federalists opposed to the Constitution. They complained that the new system threatened liberties, and failed to protect individual rights.The Anti-Federalists weren't exactly a united group, but instead involved many elements.nd the push for ratification brought on a seemingly endless barrage of documents, articles, and pamphlets both supporting and opposing it. There were two sides to the Great Debate: the Federalists and the Anti-Federalists.