Federalists vs. Democratic
Republicans
Federalists – Leaders:
• Alexander Hamilton – George
Washington’s Secretary of the Treasury
Federalist Beliefs:
• Strong National Bank – to handle
Nations Debts.
• Protective Tariff to protect American
manufacturing.
• Help the British because we trade with
them a lot and they help our economy.
Federalist Beliefs – Continued:
• We need a strong federal government – it
worked well for Britain.
• Loose Interpretation of the Constitution to
help with the power of the Federal Gov.
• Rule by the rich – because others don’t
understand the complexity of Government.
Democratic Republican Leader –
Thomas Jefferson
• George Washington’s Secretary of
State.
Democratic Republicans – Beliefs:
• No National Bank – This would only
benefit the rich.
• No tariffs – this helps with free trade
and lower prices.
• Help the French – they helped us
during the Revolutionary War!
Democratic Republicans Beliefs – Cont.
• Weak Central Government – A strong
central government will endanger
people’s freedom!
• Strict Interpretation of the Constitution
– limit the power of the Federal Gov.
• People should participate in
government rather than rule by the
rich and the few.