Who were known as Federalists?

Federalists were supporters of a stronger central government, particularly during the period surrounding the ratification of the U.S. Constitution. They believed that a more robust national government was essential for maintaining order, promoting economic stability, and providing for the common defense. The Federalist movement was characterized by their advocacy for a system that balanced power between state and federal authorities, viewing a strong central government as necessary to unify the diverse states under a single national framework.

During the ratification debates, Federalists argued that the Articles of Confederation had proven inadequate for governing effectively, particularly in areas such as commercial regulation and national defense. Prominent Federalist figures, like Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, and John Jay, contributed to the Federalist Papers, a series of essays that defended the principles of the proposed Constitution and outlined the necessity of a more centralized government.

In contrast, other groups during this period, such as the Anti-Federalists, opposed the Constitution primarily because they feared that a strong central government would threaten individual liberties and state authority. This context helps illuminate why the characterization of Federalists as advocates for a more powerful central government is distinctly accurate.