Federalists | Democratic-Republicans | |
Founders | Alexander Hamilton, John Jay, and James Madison | Thomas Jefferson and James Madison |
View of Mankind/ Ordinary People | People were born with God-given rights. Rights to life, liberty, and property. | People were given rights from the laws of nature. |
How people should be represented in government | The people should be represented through a representative government. | They believed that the will of the people, expressed through the elections. |
View/Interpretation of Constitution | They were in heavy favor of the Constitution because they wanted more power for the president. Federalists also made protective tariffs to support the American industries. | The Democratic-Republicans were in support of the Constitution |
Bill of Rights in the Constitution | They believed that the Bill of Rights was unnecessary and dangerous. | They believed the Bill of Rights would help them and would help their country. |
View of National Bank | They believed that a strong central bank was better for a new nation. | They believed this national bank was prohibited. |
Economy | Hamilton wanted the economy to be mostly based on manufacturing and commerce. | Jefferson believed people could be born into higher positions based on their identity (women and people of color were thought of as less) |
Foreign Policy | Had strong connections with England over France and worked with Great Britain. | Were hostile to Great Britain. |
Types of People (Supporters) | The businessmen and merchants in the major cities who supported a strong government. | Hamilton and the anti-federalists. |
State vs. Federal Power | The federalists preferred federal power as they believed the state power would delay commerce. | The democratic republicans favored state power. |
Additional useful information for rap/debate | Downsides: Lack of accountability. Rigid constitution. Conflict of authority. Inequalities between states. | Downsides: Possible loss of individual and state rights. Citizen ignorance. |