- Early America believed that organizing a political party was corrupt or subversive
- Parties would fill Congress with men of little ability who put special interests over national welfare
- George Washington tried to have an impartial presidency by consulting members of both camps
By 1794, split into two parties: Federalists who controlled the executive, and the Democratic Republicans, who controlled the House of Representatives.
Federalists
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Democratic-Republicans
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- Believe strong central gov’t needed
- Support Base: North, upper class, religious, industry
- Insisted gov’t was for people, but not by people- distrust masses
- Condemn French Revolution; worried same could happen in USA
- Key figures: John Adams, Alexander Hamilton
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- Believe state gov’ts should be strongest; prevent King-like behaviour, encourage local participation in gov’t
- Support Base: South, rural, common man
- Believed power corrupts; thus popular democracy key
- Support French Rev.- Believe citizens should rise up against corrupt, privileged gov’t
- Key figures: Thomas Jefferson, James Monroe
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Election of 1796- Candidate:
- Federalists: John Adams- Washington’s VP
- Democratic: Republicans- Thomas Jefferson
Adams becomes President, Jefferson VP as 2nd in votes (changed by 12th amendment)
Author: William Anderson (Schoolworkhelper Editorial Team)
https://schoolworkhelper.net/ Tutor and Freelance Writer. Science Teacher and Lover of Essays.
Article last reviewed: 2022 | St. Rosemary Institution © 2010-2024 | Creative Commons 4.0
