The republicans wanted to keep the national government small while insisting on supporting the state right and a strict interpretation of the constitution instead of a strong central government. As well as leaving most of the power to the states and to the people. Believing that the people are responsible enough to make good decisions concerning their country. The federalist primary goal was to maintain order and structure by favoring a strong national government and the people’s right. Jefferson feared that the federalist might wipe out the freedom of speech and press by saying “It would swallow up all the delegated powers, and reduce the whole to one power, as before observed”. They believed that a powerful central government posed a threat
