History 111

Dr. Powers

 

Some Confusing Terminology of the Early Republic

 

DATES

ISSUE(S)

CONTENDERS

1777-1787

A stronger central government

Nationalists

In favor of strengthening the central government

James Madison

Alexander Hamilton

Robert Morris

John Jay

Federalists

Opposed to strengthening the central government; in favor of state sovereignty

Richard Henry Lee

Patrick Henry

Elbridge Gerry

1787-1789

Ratification of the Constitution

Federalists

In favor of ratification

James Madison

Alexander Hamilton

John Jay

Thomas Jefferson

George Washington

Anti-Federalists

Opposed to ratification

Richard Henry Lee

Patrick Henry

Elbridge Gerry

Thomas Sumter

James Monroe

1789-1820

The Hamiltonian Program; State-Federal Relations; Constitutional Interpretation

Federalists

In favor of the Hamiltonian Program, relatively more power to the Federal Government, Loose Construction of the Constitution

George Washington

Alexander Hamilton

Patrick Henry

Richard Henry Lee

John Jay

John Adams

John Marshall

Republicans or Democratic-Republicans

Opposed to the Hamiltonian Program. In favor of relatively more power to the states and Strict Construction of the Constitution (though less so when they control the Federal Government)

James Madison

Thomas Jefferson

James Monroe

Elbridge Gerry

 

 

 

 

 

Liberal

Republican

Self-interest a virtue. Collective self-interest automatically produces the well-being of the whole. Free enterprise economics a virtue. Free markets in all things the best way

Self-interest the enemy of Republican government and "virtu." "Virtu" essential to the preservation of Republican government and individual liberty. Free markets desirable for reasons of liberty, but dangerous for encouragement of self-interest.