Which political stance described by the 1790s favored stronger state governments and a limited federal government?

• A. Federalists
• B. Democratic-Republicans
• C. Whigs
• D. Know-Nothings

Answer: (B)

The idea being tested is the preference for states’ rights and a limited federal government. In the 1790s, the Democratic-Republicans argued that the federal government should have only powers expressly granted by the Constitution, with most authority kept at the state and local levels. They, led by Jefferson and Madison, favored a strict interpretation of the Constitution and worried that a strong central government could threaten individual liberties and agriculture-focused society. This stance contrasts with the Federalists, who advocated a stronger national government to support commerce and a looser reading of constitutional powers. The Whigs and Know-Nothings rose later in U.S. history and weren’t the defining voices of that era. So, the description best fits the Democratic-Republicans.