The ratification of a new Constitution to replace the 1777 Articles of Confederation. The Federalists believed that the Articles made the federal government too weak, and wanted to give more power to the national level of government as opposed to the state or local levels.
Economic and fiscal policies which were favorable to growth, businesses, and banks. The Federalist Party defended the idea of a national bank, subsidies for manufacture and industrial development, and the implementation of a tariff to provide funds for the Treasury.
Friendly relations with Great Britain. After the French Revolution made the British Crown fear a similar rejection of the monarchy on its own territory, the Federalists wanted to prevent a revolutionary war with Britain. They also hoped to gain access to the British Caribbean markets.
