Thomas Jefferson to David Howell,

I learn with pleasure that republican principles are predominant in your state, because I conscientiously believe that governments founded in them are most friendly to the happiness of the people at large; and especially of a people so capable of self government as ours. I have been ever opposed to the party, so falsely called federalists, because I believe them desirous of introducing, into our government, authorities hereditary or otherwise independant [sic] of the national will. these always consume the public contributions and oppress the people with labour & poverty.

Also consider reading up on the Federalist Papers. The insights from the Federalist Papers explain the thinking and reasoning Founding Father's had when drafting the Constitution.