Final answer:
The Federalist Party favored a strong central government to strengthen the nation's economy.
Step-by-step explanation:
The early political party that favored a strong central government to strengthen the nation's economy was the Federalist Party. They believed that a strong federal government was necessary for economic growth, national defense, and the protection of American industries. They supported the economic and judicial nationalism seen in the Era of Good Feelings, which emphasized the importance of a strong central government to promote national unity and prosperity.