Who do the Federalists represent?
The supporters of the proposed Constitution called themselves “Federalists.” Their adopted name implied a commitment to a loose, decentralized system of government. In many respects “federalism” — which implies a strong central government — was the opposite of the proposed plan that they supported.
What did the Federalists fight for?
The Federalists wanted a strong government and strong executive branch, while the anti-Federalists wanted a weaker central government. The Federalists did not want a bill of rights —they thought the new constitution was sufficient. The anti-federalists demanded a bill of rights.
What federalist means?
English Language Learners Definition of federalist : a supporter of federal government especially : a supporter of the U.S. Constitution. : a member of a major political party in the early years of the U.S. that wanted a strong central government.
What is the Federalist Party called today?
Eventually this organization became the modern Democratic Party. The name Republican was taken over in the 1850s by a new party that espoused Federalist economic ideas and that survives to the present day under that name.
What kind of person was a federalist?
The members of the Federalist party were mostly wealthy merchants, big property owners in the North, and conservative small farmers and businessmen. Geographically, they were concentrated in New England, with a strong element in the Middle Atlantic states.
What do anti federalist mean?
Definition of anti-federalist : a person who opposed the adoption of the U.S. Constitution.
Is George Washington federalist?
Although Washington made few direct contributions to the text of the new Constitution and never officially joined the Federalist Party, he profoundly supported the philosophy behind the Constitution and was an ardent supporter of its ratification.
Is Patrick Henry a federalist?
Patrick Henry was one of the Founding Fathers of the United States and the first governor of Virginia. An outspoken Anti-Federalist, Henry opposed the ratification of the U.S. Constitution, which he felt put too much power in the hands of a national government.
Who is a famous Federalist?
Influential public leaders who accepted the Federalist label included John Adams, Alexander Hamilton, John Jay, Rufus King, John Marshall, Timothy Pickering and Charles Cotesworth Pinckney. All had agitated for a new and more effective constitution in 1787.
What does federalism mean?
Federalism is a system of government in which the same territory is controlled by two levels of government. Both the national government and the smaller political subdivisions have the power to make laws and both have a certain level of autonomy from each other.