Who were the Federalists?

The Federalists were a political group primarily led by figures such as Alexander Hamilton and John Adams. They played a crucial role in the early years of the United States, particularly during the period when the country was debating the adoption of the Constitution. The Federalists supported a strong national government, believing that a centralized authority would effectively address the challenges facing the new nation, such as economic instability and security concerns. Their advocacy for the Constitution was based on the idea that a well-structured federal government could balance power and safeguard citizens' rights.

In the context of the other options, the Federalists were not a group opposing the Constitution; they were, in fact, its primary proponents. They also did not represent a faction focused on states' rights, as they favored robust federal powers over state autonomy. Furthermore, the Federalists’ vision of government was broader than simply a focus on agricultural interests; they actively promoted industrial and economic growth, contrasting with other groups that favored agrarian policies.