What was the major difference between the Federalist party and the Democratic-Republican party? Federalists believed in freedom of speech, and Democratic-Republicans believed no one should criticize the government. Federalists believed in a strong central government, and Democratic-Republicans believed in strong state governments. Federalists opposed some parts of the Constitution, and Democratic-Republicans were in favor of the Constitution. Federalists felt the majority of voters should make decisions, and Democratic-Republicans felt the minority elite should make decisions.