Question

4. Evaluate the extent to which the government of the Early Republic (1783-1800: Federalist era) showed both continuity and change from its relationship with Great Britain during the Revolutionary Era (1763-1789: Revolutionary War, Articles of Confederation with regards to political, economic, and constitutional issues. THE REAL FOCUS OF THIS TOPIC IS TO COMPARE THE FEDERALISTS WITH THE ANTI-FEDERALISTS.

Answer 1

Federalists supported British government and wanted to replicate much of the system. They supported a strong central government and elite control of voting and government power. The Federalists wanted a central banking system and a focus on merchant trade.

Anti-Federalists believed the power of the government should lie with the states and supported full democracy. They were in more support of the Articles of Confederation and feared the power of a central government. Consequently to get Anti-Federalists to support the Constitution, a Bill of Rights had to be added to ensure liberties would be protected.