Patrick Henry opposed the ratification of the United States Constitution because he believed it would lead to a strong central government that would threaten individual liberty and states' rights. He argued that the Constitution gave too much power to the federal government and not enough to the states, and that it lacked a bill of rights to protect individual liberties. He also feared that the new government would be dominated by the wealthy and powerful, and that it would be used to oppress the common people. Henry's opposition to the Constitution was based on his strong belief in individual liberty and states' rights, and his fear of a powerful central government.