Federalists vs. Antifederalists

After the Revolutionary War and the colonies had gained their independence, two "political parties" emerged within the government.  Federalists were those who were in favor of the Constitution.  Alexander Hamilton was the face of the federalists.  Federalists envisioned a strong central government, which supported an urban nation that focused on commerce and was involved in foreign affairs.  Federalists wrote many small essays, known as the Federalist Papers to convice people to join their cause.  Countering the Federalists were the Antifederalists, also known as republicans (not the same as republicans today).  Thomas Jefferson lead these men.  They feared that the Constitution was going to limit rights and allow the government to become a tyranny.  They wanted a weaker central government in a more rural, agrarian nation.