APUSH Exam Review II
The Constitution, Political Faction,
and the Development of
Sectionalism in U.S. History
What seeds of “sectionalism” were sown during
the creation of the Constitution?
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Regional economic demands
The role of the new Federal Government
The powers of the Executive Branch
The status of slavery
The nature of democracy
Voices of dissent: The Anti-Federalists
Why did the Anti-Feds fear the new Federal Government created by
the Constitution?
 Long tradition of Anglo-Whig challenging of authority.
 Large Republics make it difficult for democratic participation.
 Free/democratic governments depend on citizen participation.
 As written, the new Constitution protected economic elites, and would
lead to class tensions.
 Fears of a strong central government:
 Federal Government had too much power at the expense of the states;
 Too much power concentrated in the hands of the new Executive – esp.
C-in-C of a standing army and the lack of term limits.
 Senate would become aristocratic
 “Supremacy Clause” and “Necessary and Proper Clause” grant too much power
to the Federal Government at the expense of state govts.
*Argued that the new Constitution invalidated the Revolution by exchanging
foreign for federal subjugation.
The Federalist Response
Federalist Fears:
 Republics were vulnerable early on, before traditions and rituals
became time-honored.
 Economic instability under the Articles of Confederation would
doom the young nation. (Economic Stability = Political Stability)
 Democracy and the masses (mob) - Undemocratic nature of the
Constitution.
Federalist arguments to assuage the concerns of the Anti-Feds?
The new Constitution would have the following features that would
prevent abuse/tyranny:
 Separation of Powers (Legislative, Executive, Judicial)
 Built in checks & balances
 Power sharing between the federal and state government (Federalism)
*The most powerful Federalist arguments appear in the Federalist Papers.
Sectionalism in the Constitution:
North:
 Wanted the Federal Govt to
regulate interstate and
foreign trade.
 Wanted a tax on imports
(tariffs) to protect American
industry.
 Generally favored policies
that worked to create a
stable environment for
economic development.
South:
 Slaves = property, and
property was protected in
the new Constitution.
 Slaves were to be counted
for apportionment purposes
(Three-fifths Compromise)
 Guarantee of continued
slave trade for 20 years
(1808).
 No taxes on exports.
Political Faction:
Federalists vs. Democratic Republicans
LEADERS
Federalists:
Alexander Hamilton
John Adams
Republicans:
Thomas Jefferson
James Madison
Political Faction:
Federalists vs. Democratic Republicans
VIEW OF THE CONSTITUTION & ROLE OF FEDERAL GOVT
Federalists:
 Pro-Constitution
 Strong central govt
 Favor a loose
interpretation of the
Constitution
 Govt by the “best
people”
Republicans:
 Many Anti-Federalists
 Weary of strong federal
govt, favor state govt
 Strict interpretation of
the Constitution
 Fears seem to be
justified with the Alien
& Sedition Acts
 Govt by well-informed
agrarian masses
Political Faction:
Federalists vs. Democratic Republicans
DOMESTIC POLICY
Federalists:
 federal support for
industry & business
 support Hamilton’s
financial plans – esp.
National Bank & tariffs
 favored the concentration
of wealth in the interest
of capitalistic enterprise
Republicans:
 favored agricultural
interests
 Opposed special favors
for business
 opposed any further
consolidation of power in
the federal govt
 favored state banks
 considered tariffs to be a
sectional advantage at
the expense of agriculture
(South)
Political Faction:
Federalists vs. Democratic Republicans
MILITARY POLICY
Federalists:
 Advocated a large peacetime military
 Strong central govt with a
strong Executive to
enforce federal law
Republicans:
 Fearful of a standing army
with the President in
command
 Favored continued
reliance on the militia
system
*Concerns seem to be
warranted given
Washington’s response to
the Whiskey Rebellion.
Political Faction:
Federalists vs. Democratic Republicans
FOREIGN POLICY
Federalists:
 Pro-British (Anglophiles)
sought compromise w/British
 Proclamation of
Neutrality (1793)
(Anti-French, esp. during the
French Revolution feared the
excess and instability of
democracy)
 Jay Treaty (1794)
 Quasi-War w/France
(1798)
Republicans:
 Pro-French (Francophiles)
 Supported/Defended the
French Revolution (1778
Rev War Treaty)
 No compromise with the
British – esp. over
violations of American
neutrality & Indian policy
(Jay Treaty seen as
evidence of Pro-British
Federalist foreign policy)
Political Faction:
Federalists vs. Democratic Republicans
POLITICAL CONSTITUANTS
Who tended to support the Federalists:
 Northern business interests
 Merchants
 Large landowners
 New England will become a Federalist stronghold
Who tended to support the Republicans:
 Former Anti-Federalists
 States’ Rights advocates
 Skilled workers
 Small farmers
 Large planters
What factors were most responsible
for the formation of political
factions/parties?
• Differing views on the Constitution and the
role of the Federal Government.
• Hamilton’s Financial Plans
• American reaction to the French Revolution.