- Consisted of the upper classes of well-to-do people; merchants,
manufacturers, bankers, and large landowners.
- Was strongest in the North, especially New England.
- Believed in government by and for the "rich, well-born
and able" distrusted the common people, ad feared what Federalists
termed the "excesses of democracy".
- Favored a strong central government and consequently urged a
loose interpretation of the Constitution.
- Emphasized order and stability.
- Supported Hamilton's financial program as beneficial to the
economic interests of the party's supporters.
- In foreign affairs, tended to favor Britain, whose government
was dominated by the upper classes.
|
- Consisted of the lower classes of common people: farmers, small
shopkeepers, and city workers.
- Was strongest in the South and West.
- Believed in government by capable leaders, emphasized that government
should work in the interests of the common people, and strongly
advocated democratic principles.
- Favored states' rights and consequently urged a strict interpretation
of the Constitution.
- Stressed civil liberties and trust in the people.
- Opposed Hamilton's financial program as harmful to the economic
interests of the party's supporters.
- In foreign affairs, tended to favor France, whose people had
revolted in 1789 for liberty and equality.
|
