Transcript The First Political Parties

The First Political Parties
Chapter 8, Section 3
Washington Leaves Office
In 1796 Washington decided not to run for a
third term, thus, he set the standard that a
president should only serve two terms.
 In his Farewell Address, Washington warned
about the dangers of political parties. He warned
that they could divide the nation.
 However, it would not be long before political
parties formed.

Opposing Views

Although he is considered to be one of history’s
greatest leaders, Washington still received
criticism from time to time.
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Most of this criticism would come from people who
supported Thomas Jefferson.
In Washington’s cabinet, Thomas Jefferson and
Alexander Hamilton often took opposing sides.

They often disagreed on things such as, economic
policy, foreign policy, power of the federal
government and interpretations of the Constitution.
Rise of the Party System

These differing
opinions gave rise to
the party system.
Political Parties

1.
2.
3.
4.
CAUSES
Different philosophies of
government.

Conflicting
interpretations of the
Constitution.
Different economic and
regional interests.
2.
Citizens begin to pick
one of the two sides.
1.
3.
4.
EFFECTS
Federalist and
Democratic-Republican
parties form
Each party has different
solutions.
The two parties
nominate candidates
that represent their
regions.
Political parties become
a way of life.
The First Political Parties

By 1790 two distinct political parties had
emerged. The Federalists were led by
Alexander Hamilton and the DemocraticRepublicans were led by Thomas
Jefferson.
Federalists
Leader= Hamilton
 Rule by the wealthy class
 Strong federal
government
 Backed manufacturing
 Loose interpretation of
the Constitution
 British alliance
 National Bank
 Protective tariffs

Democratic-Republicans
Leader= Jefferson
 Rule by the people
 Strong state government
 Backed agriculture
 Strict interpretation of the
Constitution
 French Alliance
 State Banks
 Free trade
 “Spirit of ‘76”

The Election of 1796
In 1796 the United States had a
presidential election.
 Federalists nominated John Adams and
the Democratic-Republicans nominated
Thomas Jefferson.
 John Adams wins a close election.
 John Adams and Thomas Jefferson
become the second pair to lead the
nation.

Adams- 71
Jefferson-68
A Bad Time to Take Office

John Adams had many issues to deal with
when becoming president.
 1.
Replacing the hero George Washington
 2. Guiding a divided (parties) country.
 3. The War between England and France.

Stay neutral? War with France?
Peace with France?
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France viewed Jay’s Treaty as an attempt by Americans
to help the British.
In 1797, Adams sends representatives to speak with
France regarding the issue.
American Ambassadors meet with three French agents
(President Adams called them X,Y and Z) who demand
money (bribe) from the U.S.
NO BRIBE, NO
NEGOTIATIONS!
The XYZ Affair


Adams is angered and asks Congress to support the
creation of a Naval Department as well as the
construction of modern warships to protect American
borders from possible attack.
Federalists support the idea of going to war with France
while Democratic-Republicans did not.
The Quasi-War With France
The XYZ affair led to the
following:

1.
2.
Congress established a naval
department (1798) and began
building battleships.
Congress increased the size of
the well-trained army.
Alien and Sedition Acts

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Passed by John Adams
Considered to be a huge blemish on Adam’s
career because they violated the Constitution.
Alien Act

The Alien Act allowed the President to deport
individuals he considered dangerous to the
country.
Sedition Act

The Sedition Act made it a crime to speak, write,
or publish criticism against the U.S. government.
President Adams and the Federalists
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As the election of 1800
approached, Federalists found
themselves under attack.
Federalists wanted president
Adams to officially declare war
with France, however, Adams
was hesitant to declare war;
instead he chose to sign a
treaty.
Although Adams decision was in
the best interest of the United
States, it hurt his chances for reelection.
Rather than applauding Adams
for avoiding war, many
Federalists condemned him and
the Federalist party became split.
Election of 1800
Because of the split in the Federalist Party,
the Democratic Republicans are able to
win the election.
 Thomas Jefferson becomes the 3rd
President.
