During the early years of the republic, two distinct interpretations of the constitution emerged-broad powers conferred upon the federal government vs. very narrow power conferred on the federal government-a distinction which has affected American politics to this very day.

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The early years of the United States saw the emergence of Federalists, who advocated for a strong central government and a broad interpretation of the Constitution, and Anti-Federalists (later Jeffersonian Republicans), who favored states' rights and a narrow interpretation. This fundamental disagreement has influenced American political discourse and policy-making throughout the nation's history.

During the Early Years of the Republic, Two Distinct Interpretations