Why where Federalists described as 'aristocrats' and Anti federalists as "democrats"?

Answer 1

One thing that has been missed. In the 1790s, not only was "aristocrats" an insult against the Federalists (by Jeffersonians), "democrats" (and with it "Jacobins"!) was an insult the Federalists used against the Republicans (the name they usually preferred). "Democrat" in this case suggests someone in favor of MOB rule, with no checks on it. This was a particularly strong attack in the mid-1790s, amidst the French Revolution, where mob rule had led to the tyrannical Reign of Terror.

By the way, these Republicans were NOT the same as "Anti-Federalists" (though much of that group did end up in the Jeffersonian/Republican camp). The latter was the group that opposed the new Constitution... which would not, of course, include people like James Madison, Jefferson's field marshal in the House.

Of course, as these were insults from the other side, neither quite fairly or accurately reflected the views of the people so labeled. . . though some of their leading members may have had a general "tendency" in that direction.


Note more specifically:

1) the historical circumstances of the French Revolution AND the fact that Jeffersonians tended to be more pro-French to start with (and initially supportive of that Revolution) affected the use of "democrat"

2) the known admiration of leading Federalist for the British system of government (among other things), and that parties pro-British leanings, contributed to the "aristocratic" label

Answer 2

I've got a feeling Candy and I read different questions...

The federalists were sometimes thought of as "aristocrats" because they wanted a stronger federal government with more power in the hands of a political (or economic) elite. The anti-federalists were called "democrats" because they favored a weaker federal government and stronger state governments. They were afraid of too much power being put into the hands of the "elite," arguing that the country had just fought a war to get away from rule by elites.

I hope I read the question correctly...

Answer 3

It's funny you bring this subject up.

I have a hard time figuring out why people attempt to label that which they don't understand.

Federalists as you put it are the rich and priviledged (aka Republicans), historically they have prided themselves on smaller government, less Federal gov't interference with the citizens of our country.

Yet it seems that for every Republican administration as far back as I recall, Government has typically expanded in terms of Capitol Hill Bureaucracy....

Although I will argue that both sides expand the govt, the Dems will amplify the social services that do nothing in terms of helping people progress.

Both Parties seem intent on mis spending our hard earned tax dollars on shiet that doesn't make a difference. Welfare gives people enoough to barely exist, while people who retire and have worked all of their lives have to chose between eating or healthcare.

Anti-Federalist is another attempt at describing some of the jack asses that are supposedly elected by the people and in turn are governed by corporation and special interest groups.

My advice to you my friend, is not to attempt to label people or that which you don't understand, but take a really hard look at what is going on.

What you will see is a facade of Democracy. We the People don't matter to these bought out representatives.

I don't think I need to even speak of energy policies.

You will also see an agency like the FDA that often sides with corporations for the sake of profit, while keeping a tight reign on people by disallowing alternative drugs that wouldn't break the bank.

You often hear about the Opium Drugs from Afghanistan,
If the US imported the crop and allowed the synthesis of the raw product, other pharmaceuticals wouldn't make their triple digit percentage profits off Americans.

Take a hard look at who's interests our govt is representing.....and you would be more inclined to be less of a partisan.

I hope you don't take offence to this message, but I do hope it finds you in good spirit and health.

Answer 4

Democrat's today are not for democracy. Democrate's used to be republican's. And today republicans are for democracy, and democrate's are for socialism. REPUBLICAN'S CARE ABOUT OUR COUNTY AND OUR PEOPLE, end of story;)