The Birth of Political Parties

Chapter 8 Section 2

Big Boy Girl Questions

1. What Political Parties emerged after Washington’s presidency?

2. In what ways were these parties different?3. What was the result of the election of

1796?

What is a political party?• Hamilton’s financial plan started a debate regarding the role of the Federal

government and the role of states• The framers of the Constitution did not believe political parties would form• Faction- an organized political group.

– James Madison considered factions to be selfish groups.• Thought that a strong national government as provided in the

Constitution would prevent the occurrence of factions

Who didn’t like factions?

• Most founding politicians DID NOT like the idea of political parties or factions.

• Among them:– Jefferson, Hamilton and Madison– Washington especially against them

– Predicted that factions would destroy “the best fabric of human government and happiness.

How the parties emerged• Arguments over Hamilton’s National Bank surfaced

new disagreements regarding the role of the Federal government.

• The Two Major Parties and their Leaders: – 1. Federalists– 2. Democratic Republicans

Federalists• Led by Hamilton• Believed wealthy and educated should lead• Favored strong central government• Loose interpretation of Constitution • Pro-British• Favored National Bank• Emphasized manufacturing, shipping and trade• Favored Protective tariff

Federalists emphasize order over freedom

Democratic Republicans• Were led by Thomas Jefferson• Believed people should have political power• Favored strong state government• Favored strict interpretation of government• Emphasized agriculture• Pro-French• Opposed National Bank• Opposed protective tariffDemocratic Republicans

emphasizefreedom over order.

What people were saying…• “I am a Federalist, the friend of order, of government, and

of the present administration.” - Federalist

• “Are not some amongst us… advocates for monarchy and aristocracy? Are not the principles of all such people hostile to the principles of the constitution?” –Democratic Republican

Who do you agree with?• Human Graph: (2 sides only)

Federalists: “We should not support France in their revolution. It’s not our problem and we don’t have the power or wealth to support them.”

Democratic Republicans: “We should support France in their Revolution since they helped us in our own. It’s only fair, and liberty is a cause worth fighting for beyond our own nation.”• Human Graph: (2 sides only)

Federalists: “The wealthy elite of society possess the education to lead the nation. The average man is not educated enough to make decisions for the country and should not lead.”Democratic Republicans: “The elite of society should not make decisions for the average man since they are removed from the common problems of everyday life. The average man is the foot-soldier of democratic society.”

Under Washington• Washington usually sided with Hamilton, as he developed a close

bond with him throughout the Revolutionary war– Hamilton was his personal assistant– Washington was therefore Federalist, just as Hamilton was

Election of 1796• Washington leaves office after two

terms, setting an important precedent

• Next election in 1796 was between Thomas Jefferson (former Secretary of State) and John Adams, Vice President

Election of 1796• The Election of 1796 was to select the 2nd president of the United

States after George Washington.

– The race was between:

VS

Thomas Jefferson John Adams

FederalistDemocratic Republican

Election of 1796 - Results• 1st Place became President, 2nd

place became Vice President.• Today, President and VP run as a

ticket. Not the case back then. – Adams won for the

Federalists– Jefferson became Vice-

President as a Democratic Republican

– Why is this important that there is both a Federalist and Democratic Rep?

Electoral Map for Election 1796