What philosophy is associated with the Federalists?

The philosophy associated with the Federalists is one of strong support for a central government, which reflects their belief in the need for a unified national authority to maintain order, provide for the common defense, and regulate commerce. This group emerged in the late 18th century, advocating for the adoption of the U.S. Constitution, which they argued would create a robust federal framework necessary to address the challenges faced by the newly independent states.

Federalists contended that a strong central government was essential for safeguarding liberty and ensuring stability in a rapidly changing political landscape. They believed that the Articles of Confederation had proven insufficient due to their inherent weaknesses, such as lack of executive power and poor fiscal management, which led to economic turmoil and interstate conflicts.

Their perspective stood in contrast to other groups at the time, particularly the Anti-Federalists, who were concerned that a strong central government could lead to tyranny and undermine individual liberties. The debates between these opposing viewpoints were critical to the ratification process of the Constitution and shaped the political landscape of the early United States.