History of North America

What was the difference between early Democratic-Republican Party and Federalists?

Democratic-Republicans

* Believed in a strict interpretation of the Constitution

* Favored states' rights

* Opposed a strong central government

* Supported agrarian interests

* Advocated for expansionism

* Were suspicious of banks and other financial institutions

* Believed in the common man

* Were often skeptical of religion

Federalists

* Believed in a loose interpretation of the Constitution

* Favored a strong central government

* Supported commercial interests

* Advocated for a national bank

* Were skeptical of expansionism

* Believed in the importance of banks and other financial institutions

* Believed in the superiority of the wealthy and educated

* Were often religious