The Anti-Federalist Papers and the Constitutional Convention Debates (Signet Classics),   ISBN:9780451528841

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I purchased this along with the Federalist Papers. I had read the F.P. in it's entirety, but I hadn't been aware of the vast gulf between various founders over the best government for America.

The Anti-Federalist Papers contain the writings (and speeches) of some of the greatest heroes on the Revolution including Richard Henry Lee and Patrick Henry, and some who will forever be known only by their pseudonym.

These writers were concerned about the danger inherent in the centralized power of a federal ("efficient") government. These dangers have been shown in the last 140 years as the federal government increasingly enforces its power - seat belt laws, alcohol limits, anti-gun laws. All these patriots would have been horrified by the excesses of our federal state.

And yet, some of the centralized, efficient government has made us great and is an essential part of who we are. The standing army that they excoriated (with their memories of the Hessians et al.), is a necessary part of our survival in an increasingly dangerous world.

Be sure you read these papers, too, as you contemplate our history and our future.

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If you want to understand the U.S.Constitution you really need to read the Anti-federalist and federal papers together. It is very interesting knowing what the Constitutional congress discussed and meant when they were working the greatest document in history.

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From Jefferson to Henry. From Cato's Letters to those of the Federal Farmer. We were warned that Federalism would lead to the disconnected and tyrannical behemoth that is Washington DC today.

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This is a great source if you wish to see what the other side thought about the Constitution.

Anything by Patrick Henry is golden.

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This book illustrates how far we have drifted into waters that our founding fathers had worried about.