Why were some delegates upset by the prospect of a supreme national government?

They felt that the states should have more power.

Some delegates in early American history were upset by the prospect of a supreme national government primarily because they were concerned about the potential of such a powerful government to encroach upon state sovereignty and individual liberties. The framers of the Constitution were wary of creating a central government that mirrored the previous British monarchy, where power was concentrated in the hands of a single authority.

To understand why some delegates were opposed to a supreme national government, it's essential to examine the historical context. The American Revolution was, in many ways, a rebellion against a perceived abusive and distant central authority. The colonists had fought for their independence and were determined to create a system that safeguarded individual freedoms and decentralized power.

During the Constitutional Convention, held in Philadelphia in 1787, two dominant factions emerged: the Federalists and the Anti-Federalists. The Federalists, led by influential figures like Alexander Hamilton and James Madison, argued for the establishment of a strong central government. They believed it was necessary to ensure national security and economic growth.

However, the Anti-Federalists, including influential figures like Thomas Jefferson and Patrick Henry, were apprehensive about a powerful central government. They feared that a strong national government might infringe upon the rights of states and individuals and ultimately result in a loss of liberty. The Anti-Federalists advocated for a more decentralized system of government, with power vested in the hands of individual states.

These concerns were voiced during the ratification process of the Constitution. The Anti-Federalists argued that the absence of a Bill of Rights, which would explicitly protect individual freedoms, was a glaring defect in the proposed constitution. Additionally, they highlighted that the centralized authority granted by the Constitution might lead to tyranny in the future.

In response to these concerns, the Federalists promised to draft a Bill of Rights that would address the Anti-Federalists' worries and protect individual liberties. Ultimately, the ratification of the Constitution was achieved through a careful compromise between the two factions, resulting in the addition of the Bill of Rights shortly after the Constitution's adoption.

In summary, some delegates were upset by the prospect of a supreme national government due to their historical context and concern for protecting state sovereignty and individual liberties. These concerns were addressed through the subsequent addition of the Bill of Rights, which has played a vital role in safeguarding individual freedoms within the framework of the United States government.