The First Political Parties Chapter 8, Lesson 3

The First Political Parties Though Washington is hailed by Americans as the nation’s greatest leader he did not escape criticism. This usually came from the fact that he was partisan (favoring one side of an issue) Although he thought himself above politics he usually supported Hamilton’s position. By the mid 1790s the first two political parties emerge. Federalists – though first meaning someone who supported the constitution, as a political party it was anyone who supported the policies of the Washington Administration. Federalists favored banking and shipping interest. Most support came from the Northeast, especially New England and wealthy plantation owners in the South. Distrusted France after the violent changes that occurred after it’s own Revolution.

The First Political Parties Philip Freneau (Late 1791) – began publishing the National Gazette (newspaper) with help from Thomas Jefferson. It hoped to change public opening against Federalist policies. Jefferson and Madison later organized people who disagreed with Hamilton. Democratic-Republicans (Also known then as Republicans) – Party made by Jefferson and Madison to oppose the views of Hamilton. Hoped to limit the governments power out of fear that a strong federal government would endanger the liberties of people. Supported the French and didn’t like Washington’s pro-British policy. Supported small farmers and urban workers, especially in the Middle Atlantic states and the South.

The First Political Parties Federalists and Republicans did not agree on the basis of government power. Hamilton believed the federal government had implied powers (powers not expressly forbidden in the Constitution). Congress was allowed to issue money and regulate trade and a national bank would clearly help the government carry out these responsibilities. Jefferson and Madison disagreed with Hamilton opting for a strict interpretation of the Constitution. They still thought it had implied powers but not to the extent Hamilton was stating believing that implied powers are those powers that are “absolutely necessary” to carry out expressed powers.

The First Political Parties They views also differed when it came to the idea of ordinary people’s role in government. Federalist believed it was not wise to let people be too involved in politics as they could be easily swayed by agitators. Office should be held by those who are honest, educated, and held property who would protect peoples rights Republicans believed that liberty would be safe only if ordinary people participated in government. Washington had a dilemma on his hands with Hamilton and Jefferson, as he greatly respected both but wanted them to work together. By 1793, Jefferson was so unhappy that he resigned as secretary of state In 1795, Hamilton resigned as secretary of treasury The rival groups continued to move further apart.

The First Political Parties The Election of 1796 – The first election involving political parties. Federalist and Republicans prepared for the election by having meetings known as caucuses (meeting where Congress and other leaders chose their party’s candidates) The Federalist chose John Adams to be candidate for the presidency and Charles Pinckney was his vice president. Support for Federalist came from New England. The Republicans chose Jefferson for presidential candidate and Aaron Burr for vice president. Support for Republicans came from South, where they expected Jefferson to receive the most votes. Adams received 71 electoral votes while Jefferson received 68 votes. Under the provisions of the Constitution at that time, the person with the second highest votes became vice president.

The First Political Parties March 4, 1797 – The new administration takes office with a Federalist president and a Republican vice president. The XYZ Affair – When delegation went to speak in France and the foreign minister refused, three agents attempted for a bribe. The French saw Jay’s Treaty as an attempt to help the British in their war with France. They sought to punish the United States by seizing American ships that carried cargo to Britain. Adams sent a delegation to Paris to resolve the dispute but French foreign minister Charles de Talleyrand, refused to meet with the Americans. Talleyrand sent three agents who demanded a bribe and a loan for France from the Americans who replied, “Not a sixpence” (it was a coin in Britain worth six pennies; the sum of six pennies.) A report of the incident was sent back to Adams who became furious. The three agents were referred to as X, Y, and Z. Adams urged Congress to prepare for war calling the incident, the XYZ Affair.

The First Political Parties Congress responds with strengthening the armed forces. Established the Navy Department in 1798 and set aside money to construct war ships. The size of the army was increased and Washington was appointed commanding general (C’MON MAN LET THE MAN RETIRE!!) Between 1798 and 1800, U.S and French naval forces clash on a number of occasions, but no formal war is declared. Adam’s representatives negotiated an agreement with France in September 1800 that ensured peace. Most Americans viewed France as an enemy. The Republican party hesitated to turn around and condemn France. In the election of 1798, Americans voted some Republicans out of office.

The First Political Parties The threat of war with France made Americans more suspicious of aliens (immigrants living in the country who were not citizens) Some who came from Europe supported the ideals of the French Revolution. Alien and Sedition Acts (1798) Alien Acts - Allowed the president to imprison aliens, or send those he considered dangerous out of the country. Sedition Acts – Made it a crime to speak, write, or publish “false, scandalous, or malicious” criticism of the government. (Sedition - activities aimed at weakening established government.) Americans began to fear that a strong central government abusing its power was becoming a reality.

The First Political Parties Madison and Jefferson drafted documents to protest these acts. The Virginia and Kentucky Resolutions (1798 and 1799) – Claimed that the Alien and Sedition Acts could not be put into action because they were unconstitutional. The Kentucky Resolution further suggested that states might nullify (legally overturn) federal laws considered unconstitutional. The resolution affirmed the principle of states’ rights (limiting the federal government to those powers clearly assigned by the constitution and reserving to the states all other powers not expressly forbidden to them) This issue arises time and time again during the early history of the nation. With the election of 1800 approaching, Adams was asked to step up the war with France. They hoped to benefit from the patriotic feelings that war would unleash.

The First Political Parties In 1800, The French agreed to a treaty and stopped attacks on American ships. Although this is in the best interest of America it hurt Adams chances for reelection. Hamilton and his supporters now opposed their own president. With the Federalists split the Republican prospect for winning the presidency improved. The way was prepared for Thomas Jefferson in the election of 1800.