Alexander Hamilton and the Federalist Party?

The Anti-Federalists distrusted large, powerful national governments and believed liberty could only be protected in small republics in which the rulers were closely checked by the public. They believed a large nation could best be governed by a confederation, with local governments having the most control. A strong national government would be distant from the people and not capable of protecting the rights of the citizens. Federalists favored a strong national government with supreme power over state governments. Leaving too much power in the hands of the states would only create another confederacy type of government with little power to act. The rights of citizens would be protected from the government via legislation, the courts, and the Bill of Rights. Federalists distrusted the masses to select the best candidates so they made only the House of Representatives directly elected by the people. Checks and Balances within the Constitution would make sure no one branch became too powerful.