What did the Federalists advocate for in the new government?

The Federalists advocated for a strong central government in the new governmental framework established after the American Revolution. They believed that a powerful national government was essential for maintaining order, providing for the common defense, and facilitating economic growth. Their push for a stronger central authority was largely a response to the weaknesses they saw in the Articles of Confederation, which they felt failed to provide an effective mechanism for governance and left the nation vulnerable to both internal and external challenges.

Federalists argued that a strong central government would be able to unify the states, manage commerce, and conduct foreign relations more effectively than the decentralized power structure of the Articles. They were also concerned about the potential for chaos and disorder among the states without a strong national authority to enforce laws and regulate issues such as trade and taxation. This viewpoint eventually influenced the drafting of the U.S. Constitution, which established a federal system with defined powers for both national and state governments, ensuring a balance while emphasizing the need for a strong federal presence.