who had a better understanding of the government, the Federalists or the Democratic-Republicans?

Answer 1

The Democratic-Republicans (anti-Federalists) believed in State's Rights. They had the better view.

Answer 2

By far the Democratic Republicans, they understood federalism (i know that sounds crazy, since we are comparing them to the federalists) but still, they knew the balance of power between the states and federal government. The federalists wanted a stronger central government at a time where everyone feared it (England) and so the Dem Reps won, then split. Kinda ironic they were the same party at one time, isn't it?

Answer 3

Well, in theory, they both had good ideas, while I tilt to Jefferson's ideals, they were sadly a little too utopian, (if all men thought like Jefferson it could work), then and now, the Federalist plan, based on legends of ancient governments like Roman and Greece and especially Great Britain, was a proven workable system which after the failure of the "Articles of Confederation" became real popular. Sending Jefferson to France as an ambassador was a deliberate attempt to limit his influence on the Constitution and Bill of Rights. In hindsight, it's a miracle things have worked out as well as they have as long as they have. That's my two cents.
BUT two notable examples of Jefferson going against his philosophy for what he saw ultimately for Public Good was 1. "The Louisana Purchase", as Presidents had not been given power to buy territory (this precedent allowed "Seward's Folly", the purchase of Alaska!). and 2. Denying the patent on gristmill machinery, because of his belief in agriculture as the backbone of this nation (I agree!) he decided to not allow a protective patent or license system that would have prevented gristmills from being built cheaply throughout the countryside. Today when I hear of someone inventing a hydrogen cell plant to run your home supposedly being bought up and shelved by GE, I wish we had a President who would invoke this same power to declare that technology is vital for the public good, make it commercially available within a year or anyone can use the design.

Answer 4

I would say they had different understandings of the role of government. The Federalists preferred more centralized power and restricted voting rights and the Democratic-Republicans favored decentralization, more power to the states, a Bill of Rights and more universal suffrage. Which view is "better" is really a matter of opion.

Answer 5

Federalists have the better understanding of the government because their framework of government is from the local governments under the control of a central government.

Answer 6

republicans