Which political party believed in a small national government and that the federal government should stay out of economic and social issues?

The Democratic Party, especially during the 19th century, emphasized the importance of a small federal government, advocating for limited government involvement in both economic and social matters. This belief was rooted in a desire for individual liberty and a suspicion of centralized authority, reflecting the party's origins in Jeffersonian ideals. The Democrats argued that government interference could lead to tyranny and that local and state governments were better suited to address the unique needs of their communities.

The Whigs, in contrast, often supported a more active government role in promoting economic development through infrastructure projects and tariffs. The Republicans, particularly during the Civil War era, were associated with a stronger federal government to address national issues, including slavery. Americanists, a less commonly referenced group, focused more on a nativist agenda rather than the foundational principles of government size and economic involvement.

Thus, the Democratic Party's commitment to a limited government aligns closely with the question's criterion about keeping the federal government out of economic and social issues.