Final answer:
The fundamental difference between the Federalists and the Democratic-Republicans revolved around conflicting viewpoints on the powers of the central government.
Step-by-step explanation:
The fundamental difference between the Federalists and the Democratic-Republicans revolved around conflicting viewpoints on the powers of the central government. The Federalists believed in a strong central government and supported policies that would strengthen its authority. On the other hand, the Democratic-Republicans favored a more limited central government and a stronger emphasis on states' rights. This disagreement over the powers of the central government influenced their positions on various issues, such as the constitutionality of federal programs and the balance of power between state and federal governments.
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