Final answer:
The Federalist Party advocated for high protective tariffs as a means to support domestic manufacturing and the interests of the wealthiest citizens. They believed in a strong central government that had the power to implement such economic policies.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Federalist stance on protective tariffs during the first party system was to advocate for high protective tariffs. Federalists like Alexander Hamilton and John Adams supported measures such as tariffs because they believed in promoting the interests of the wealthiest farmers, merchants, and manufacturers. High protective tariffs were seen as beneficial for domestic manufacturing and the overall economy, as they would make imported goods more expensive and thus promote the purchase of American-made goods. This stance aligned with the Federalist view of a strong central government that could enact such economic policies and support internal improvements.
Since the Federalist Party supported a broad construction of the Constitution, they saw the imposition of protective tariffs as a legitimate use of federal power. Such tariffs were part of a larger Federalist strategy to ensure social stability and economic growth by serving the interests of a few, with the belief that it would ultimately provide benefits for all.