USA HISTORY

Detailed explanation-1: -Having just overthrown the King of England during the American Revolution, Democratic-Republicans feared a strong national government. They believed that the Constitution was a “strict” document that clearly limited the powers of the federal government.

Detailed explanation-2: -Democratic-Republicans had most of their support in the South and West. They believed in states’ rights and a strict interpretation of the U.S. Constitution and that the government should only do what is stated in it. They were founded on democratic principles and believed in self-government.

Detailed explanation-3: -After the ratification of the Constitution, a bitter divide ensued between Democrat-Republicans and Federalists, the former supporting a strict interpretation and the latter advocating a loose interpretation.

Detailed explanation-4: -Nationwide, Democratic-Republicans were strongest in the South, and many of party’s leaders were wealthy Southern slaveowners. The Democratic-Republicans also attracted middle class Northerners, such as artisans, farmers, and lower-level merchants, who were eager to challenge the power of the local elite.

Detailed explanation-5: -Differences Between Federalists and Democratic-Republicans Federalists believed in a strong central government, while Democratic-Republicans opposed this idea. They believed states should have more rights.