Which group primarily opposed state's rights and favored a strong federal government during the early American republic?

The group that primarily opposed states' rights and favored a strong federal government during the early American republic was the Federalists. The Federalists believed that a centralized national government was essential for maintaining order, managing the economy, and regulating interstate and international affairs. This perspective arose from their experiences under the Articles of Confederation, which resulted in a weak national government that struggled to address issues like trade disputes and security.

Prominent leaders such as Alexander Hamilton and John Adams argued that a strong federal authority was necessary to unify the states and create a stable political framework. They advocated for the ratification of the U.S. Constitution, which established a stronger federal government compared to previous arrangements. Their vision included not only the need for a more robust government structure but also the importance of standing armies and a fiscal system capable of funding national interests.

In contrast, the other groups mentioned operated from different principles. The Democratic-Republicans, led by Thomas Jefferson, championed states' rights and feared that a powerful federal government would infringe on individual liberties. The Anti-Federalists opposed the Constitution on similar grounds, believing that it concentrated too much power at the federal level. Libertarians, although not a party during the early republic, generally advocate for minimal government interference, aligning