The Federalists supported a strong central government that would: a. oppose the ratification of the Constitution. b. encourage the development of cottage industries and the farming sector. c. encourage the development of commerce as well as the farming sector. d. encourage the development of commerce and manufacturing. e. support the two-party political system.

Letter D is the correct answer.

The Federalists was a political party originated during the first administration of President George Washington. It was an elitist party that opposed the Democratic-Republican party, and was against democracy, general suffrage, and open elections. Federalists supported a strong national government that highly encouraged the development of commerce and manufacturing.