Alexander Hamilton, the father of the Federalist Party, was a very practical founding father, who possessed great foresight. His outlook, like that of Washington, was nationalistic. He feared the divisiveness of states rights philosophy. Hamilton believed that the success of the new government depended on the support of the rich and most able. It was the duty of this class to forge a government for all others. The Federalist Pary gained much momentum in the North, particularly New England. Its members included industrialists, bankers, and landowners. It favored a strong central government, with a loose interpretation of the Constitution. The party feared the excesses of Democracy, aware of the Reign of Terror raging in France. The party also advocated Hamilton's financial program, which is still largely in service today.
