Florida Teacher Certification Examinations (FTCE) Social Science Practice Test

In the early US under the Constitution, what primarily separated Federalists from Republicans?

1. Acceptance or opposition to the Constitution

2. Support for the French Revolution or not

3. Preference for states' rights versus national sovereignty

4. Patriotism versus loyalty during the American War of Independence

The correct answer is: Support for the French Revolution or not

While support for the French Revolution is significant in understanding the political dynamics of the early United States, the primary division between Federalists and Republicans centered on their differing views regarding the Constitution itself. Federalists advocated for a strong central government as established by the Constitution, believing it necessary for maintaining order and unity in the new nation. In contrast, Republicans were generally more skeptical of centralized authority, favoring states' rights and a more limited federal government. This fundamental disagreement about the structure and power of government, tied directly to perspectives on the Constitution, created distinct identities between the two groups. Federalists supported a loose interpretation of the Constitution that allowed for more federal power, while Republicans favored a strict interpretation, viewing the Constitution as a document that constrained federal authority to protect individual liberties and state sovereignty. Thus, the division primarily hinged on acceptance or opposition to the Constitution and its implications for governance in the United States.