Final answer:
The Federalists believed in a strong central government to ensure social stability and protect liberty, focusing on the interests of wealthy citizens for the benefit of the whole nation. They supported broad constitutional interpretation and federally funded internal improvements, with figures like Hamilton and Adams as notable representatives of their party.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Federalists of the late 18th century supported a strong central government and are best characterized by their desire to promote social stability, which they believed was crucial in preserving the people's liberty. Notable Federalist figures like Alexander Hamilton and John Adams held that stability could be achieved by promoting the self-interest of the wealthiest farmers, merchants, and manufacturers, as this would serve the interests of a few but benefit the nation as a whole. A strong national union was paramount in their view.
Federalists did not oppose popular elections, but they trusted the elected officials to make important decisions post-election. They endorsed a broad construction of the Constitution, particularly with the necessary and proper clause, allowing for federally funded internal improvements and the creation of a national bank. During the contentious 1790s, marked by debates over the interpretation of the Constitution and foreign policy challenges, the Federalists viewed a strong central government as a necessary barrier against domestic faction and insurrection, as well as a promoter of economic prosperity and diplomatic strength.