Birth of Political Parties in America

Federalists

v.

Democratic-Republicans

Growth of Political Parties

• Washington warned against the development of divisive political parties in his farewell address when he retired

• A political party is a group of people that tries to promote its ideas and influence government, and backs candidates for political office; their existence is protected by the Bill of Rights, though not directly mentioned

• The first two political parties were born from arguments over how to interpret the Constitution and economic policy

Federalist Party

• Alexander Hamilton and his friends formed the Federalist party.

• The party’s name reflects their belief in a strong federal government

• Many Northern merchants and factory owners became Federalists

• John Adams would run as the first Federalist candidate for President, and won, becoming the 2nd President of the United States

Democratic-Republicans

• Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, and their supporters formed the Democratic-Republican Party.

• The party name reflects their strong belief in democracy and the republic

• Farmers and workers were supporters of this political party

Federalists v. Democratic-Republicans

• Favor strong national government

• Fear of mob rule• Loose construction

(interpretation) of the Constitution

• Favor national bank• Economy based on

shipping and manufacturing

• Favor limited national government

• Fear of rule by one person or a powerful few

• Strict construction• Oppose national bank• Economy based on

farming