Why did many states refuse to ratify the new constitution?

Answer 1

They did not refuse to ratify the Constitution. Massachusetts was the 6th State to ratify it. Massachusetts only added a list of nine 'desired' amendmends whereby the rights of States and of individuals would be better protected.

Answer 2

The biggest debate focused on exactly how representation in congress would be determined. The southern states, with large slave populations, wanted them to count towards population (and therefore representation), but did not want to allow them to vote. The (mostly smaller) northern states wanted to count only voters.

Answer 3

Because with the ratification of the new constitution they stood to lose a majority of their power as Federal Government stood to gain much more power. Thus many states threatened to make alliances with foreign countries.

Answer 4

It did not list the rights of the people

Answer 5

Because of the Bill of Rights