Question: Explain how and why the Federalists and Antifederalists used Enlightenment ideas in their political philosophies. What accounts for the differences? Of the Federalists and the Democratic-Republicans, who were the true inheritors of the philosophy of revolutionary republicanism?
Answer: The Federalists and Antifederalists both utilized Enlightenment ideas in their political philosophies during the formation of the United States. They drew upon concepts such as natural rights, social contract, and limited government. However, they diverged in their interpretation and application of these ideas. The Federalists advocated for a strong central government, emphasizing stability and economic growth, while the Antifederalists emphasized individual liberties and warned against concentrated power. The Democratic-Republicans, led by Thomas Jefferson and James Madison, were considered the true inheritors of the philosophy of revolutionary republicanism. They championed limited government, agrarianism, and individual rights, aligning more closely with the principles of the Enlightenment and advocating for a decentralized and participatory form of governance.