Who were the Federalists in relation to the ratification of the Constitution?

The Federalists were a group of individuals who supported the ratification of the United States Constitution and advocated for a strong federal government. They believed that a robust central authority was necessary to maintain order, provide for the common defense, and promote the general welfare of the nation. Key figures among the Federalists included Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, and John Jay, who argued in favor of the Constitution through a series of essays known as the Federalist Papers. Their primary goal was to replace the Articles of Confederation, which they viewed as too weak to effectively govern the new nation.

The Federalists' perspective highlighted the need for mechanisms that would enable the federal government to manage issues that affected the country as a whole, such as taxation, trade regulation, and national defense. Their stance ultimately contributed to the Constitution's ratification and set the foundation for the federal government as it exists today, emphasizing a balance of power between state and federal authorities.