Federalists

 

 

Consisted of the wealthy: merchants, bankers, landowners

 

Strongest in north and New England

 

Government by and for the "rich, well-born and able"; distrusted the common man and the excesses of democracy

 

 

Favored a strong central government and loose interpretation of the Constitution

 

 

Democratic-Republicans

 

Consisted of the common people: farmers, shopkeepers

 

Strongest in south and west

 

Government by capable leaders, government should work in the interests of the common man and democracy

 

 

Favored state's rights over national government and a strict interpretation of the Constitution

 

Federalists

 

 

Supported Hamilton's financial program as beneficial to the party's supporters

 

In foreign affairs tended to favor Britain whose government was dominated by the upper classes

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Democratic-Republicans

 

Opposed Hamilton's financial program as harmful to the interests of the party

 

In foreign affairs tended to favor France, as the people revolted against the king for liberty and equality