Question

Contrast the Republicans and the Federalists in the 1790s

Answer 1

Federalists (such as John Adams and Alexander Hamilton) believed in manufacturing and industrialization. They believed in the Elastic Clause of the Constitution so they had a loose interpretation of the Constitution (which helped establish the national bank) and thought that England would be our greatest ally. They also wanted most power to the national government. Republicans such as Thomas Jefferson and James Madison believed in having the US become agriculture oriented with states having the most power. They had a literal interpretation of the Constitution and thought the French were our greatest allies. (Go APUSH!)