The Federalists wanted a strong national government that would promote economic growth, maintain order, and ensure stability. They supported centralization of power, federal supremacy over states, and a government led by an educated elite rather than direct popular rule. Their key goals included:
- Establishing a strong federal government to replace the weak Articles of Confederation and prevent instability
- Creating a national bank and funding the national debt, including assuming state debts from the Revolutionary War, to build a sound financial system
- Promoting industrialization, manufacturing, and urban growth through tariffs and government support
- Maintaining good relations with Great Britain and opposing Revolutionary France in foreign policy
- Supporting implied powers of the Constitution to enable a flexible and strong federal government
- Advocating for a strong army and navy for national defense
- Initially opposing a Bill of Rights, arguing the Constitution’s structure protected liberties, but ultimately agreeing to add one to secure ratification
- Enacting laws like the Naturalization Act and the Sedition Act to control citizenship and suppress dissent during their time in power
The Federalists were led by figures like Alexander Hamilton and John Adams and were supported mainly by businessmen, bankers, and merchants in cities and New England. They feared "mob rule" and believed a strong central government was essential to guide the young nation toward economic success and international respect
. In summary, the Federalists wanted a strong, centralized federal government with robust economic policies, a strong military, and a political system controlled by an educated elite to ensure national stability and growth.
