Which prominent figures led the Federalist movement in the United States?

The Federalist movement in the United States was primarily led by figures who were advocates for a strong central government and played significant roles in the drafting of the Constitution. Alexander Hamilton is often heralded as the main architect of the Federalist Papers, which were crucial in promoting the ratification of the Constitution. John Adams, although not as heavily involved in the writing of the Federalist Papers, was a prominent federalist figure and served as the second President of the United States. Together, these leaders articulated a vision of governance that emphasized federal authority, stability, and the prevention of tyranny, which contrasted with the ideals of the Anti-Federalists who feared strong central power.

The other options present figures associated with different political movements or contexts. For instance, Thomas Jefferson and James Madison are more closely associated with the Democratic-Republican Party and its opposition to Federalist policies. George Washington and Benjamin Franklin were crucial to the founding of the nation but were less directly tied to the Federalism articulated by Hamilton and Adams. Lastly, John Jay was indeed supportive of Federalist principles, but Samuel Adams is better known for his role in encouraging resistance to British authority, aligning more with Anti-Federalist views. Therefore, the pairing of Hamilton and Adams as leading figures of