Federalists vs. Democratic-Republicans

Federalists

Supporters of a strong central government who favored the Constitution.

Democratic-Republicans

Political party that favored states' rights and was led by Thomas Jefferson and James Madison.

View of Mankind

Federalists believed in government representation; Democratic-Republicans believed in natural rights.

Rights of People

Federalists believed in God-given rights; Democratic-Republicans believed rights came from the laws of nature.

View/Interpretation of Constitution (Federalists)

Favored the Constitution to increase presidential power and supported protective tariffs.

View/Interpretation of Constitution (Democratic-Republicans)

Supported the Constitution but were concerned about individual rights.

Bill of Rights (Federalists)

Considered unnecessary and dangerous.

Bill of Rights (Democratic-Republicans)

Believed it would protect individual and state rights.

View of National Bank (Federalists)

Supported the establishment of a strong central bank.

View of National Bank (Democratic-Republicans)

Believed that a national bank was prohibited.

Economy (Federalists)

Advocated for an economy based on manufacturing and commerce.

Economy (Democratic-Republicans)

Believed in a more egalitarian economic structure.

Foreign Policy (Federalists)

Favoring strong connections with England.

Foreign Policy (Democratic-Republicans)

Hostile toward Great Britain.

Types of People (Federalists)

Supported primarily by businessmen and merchants in major cities.

Types of People (Democratic-Republicans)

Supported by Hamilton and the anti-federalists.

State vs. Federal Power (Federalists)

Favored federal power to prevent delays in commerce.

State vs. Federal Power (Democratic-Republicans)

Favored state power.

Downsides of Federalist Approach

Lack of accountability, rigid constitution, conflict of authority.

Downsides of Democratic-Republican Approach

Potential loss of individual and state rights, citizen ignorance.