Insisted upon the creation of national system of taxation to finance the federal government.

Feared rival groups might re-create a monarchial style of government in the United States.

Disliked paying taxes to a centralized government far removed from the struggles of everyday Americans.

Insisted upon a Bill of Rights to safeguard the civil liberties of the American citizenry.

Guided and heavily endorsed by President George Washington.

In an effort to address unanticipated problems, this group endorsed a loose interpretation of the Constitution.

Gained widespread support among common Americans and rural, farming communities.

Hoped to organize a functional governmental system capable of guiding the new nation through its formative years

Gained widespread support among the wealthy elites in American society who had much to lose should the new nation fail.

Felt that the nation would suffer if too many people wielded too much power in political affairs.

Advocated the creation of strong military under federal control.

In an effort to limit central government, this group endorsed a strict interpretation of the Constitution.

“A president can quickly declare himself king under this new government plan. I have had my fill of kings—they offer nothing positive to the people of this great new country.”

“The United States is simply too large to have a strong central government! People will not know their leaders, and leaders will not know the concerns of the different regions.”

“My biggest criticism of the new plan for government is that a strong national government can trample the rights of a man quickly and easily.”

“Gentleman, it will not be possible for the federal government to overpower the state governments because in a federal system, central government and state governments must work together.”

“After so recent a triumph over British despots…it is truly astonishing that a set of men among ourselves should have effrontery to attempt the destruction of our liberties.”