“The Birth of Political Parties”
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Focus Question: How did two political parties
emerge?
*The arguments over Hamilton's financial plan
led to serious disagreements among the nation's
leaders. These differences will lead to the growth
of political parties.
Political Parties Emerge
*The framers of the Constitution did not believe
that political parties would emerge because they
felt all the leaders would work together for the
good of the country.
*James Madison felt that factions (organized
political groups) were selfish and unconcerned
with the well-being of the whole nation.
*Jefferson and Hamilton disliked factions.
Hamilton thought they might bring mob rule and
chaos.
*George Washington was the most against
factions. Although they were against factions,
Washington watched Hamilton and Jefferson
grow apart.
*By 1790s – two political parties were beginning
to form. One group included Jefferson and
Madison. The other supported Hamilton.
Republicans Against Federalists
*The two parties that grew out of these
disagreements were Democratic-Republicans and
Federalists.
*Republicans (usually called DemocraticRepublicans***) took their name from political
clubs called Democratic-Republican Societies that
that had been organized in various parts of the
country. They believed the federal gov’t under
Washington was growing too strong. They wanted
power kept at state or local level. They feared a
strong central gov’t would act like a monarchy.
*Democratic-Republican party drew its strength
from southern planters and northern farmers and
artisans. Leaders were Madison and Jefferson.
Unhappy with gov’t’s policies, Jefferson resigned
as secretary of state in 1793.
*Federalists took the name from people who had
supported the adoption of the Constitution after
1787. Leader was Hamilton. Federalists believed
the US needed a strong federal/central gov’t to
hold country together and deal with problems.
*Federalists drew support from merchants, other
property owners, and workers whose jobs
depended on manufacturing and trade.
Federalists were especially strong in the North.
Organizing and Arguing
*Federalists had the advantage of President
Washington's support of Hamilton and his
policies.
Other Disagreements
*1. Strength of central gov't
2. national bank and tariff (favored by
Federalists)
3. ties with England (favored by Federalists)
4. sympathies with France (D-R)
The Election of 1796
*In 1796 Washington announced he would not
run for a third term (did not want to be compared
to a king)
*Republican candidate was Thomas Jefferson
*Federalist candidate was John Adams (had been
Washington's VP and was a New Englander)
*President and Vice President did not run as a
“ticket”. Person receiving most votes was
President and second was Vice President.
*John Adams received the most votes and became
President (Federalist)
*Thomas Jefferson received the second most votes
and became Vice-President (DemocraticRepublican)
*The differences in the two men's political beliefs
while serving in these positions caused serious
tensions in the years to come.
Review Questions
Why did many of the nation's leaders dislike
political parties?
*They thought political parties threatened the
country's unity.
How did the Federalists and Republicans differ?
*Federalists supported strong federal gov't;
*Republicans supported strong state gov't
Which party won the presidency in 1796?
*The Federalists