Final answer:
The Democratic-Republican Party called for a weak national government and greater states' rights, contrasting with the Federalists who supported a stronger central government.
Step-by-step explanation:
The political party that called for a weak national government was the Democratic-Republican Party. This party was deeply rooted in the belief that a strong centralized power could lead to corruption and tyranny, reminiscent of the British Parliament's treatment of the colonies before the Revolution. They therefore advocated for a more limited government. In contrast, the Federalists supported a strong central government, as they believed it was necessary to maintain order, provide a barrier against domestic factions and insurrections, and promote the public good.
The Federalist Papers, written by Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, and John Jay, defended the concept of a strong national government and swayed public opinion in favor of the newly drafted Constitution. Meanwhile, the Democratic-Republicans, led by figures such as Thomas Jefferson, emphasized the need for greater states' rights and a more agrarian-focused republic.
Ultimately, the debate between the Federalists and the Democratic-Republicans helped shape the early political landscape of the United States, balancing the powers between the national government and the states, with the Democratic-Republicans focusing on the rights of the states and the common man.