9.3 The First Political Parties

HAMILTON VERSUS JEFFERSON LET’S FIGHT

Rise of Parties As Washington’s term came to end, the divide within the government grew even wider Supporters of Jefferson attacked Washington for listening to Hamilton too much

Rise of Parties Jefferson’s opinion Hamilton’s opinion Follow Constitution WORD FOR WORD and limit the federal government Hamilton’s opinion Constitution has “implied” powers and the federal government should be strong

Rise of Parties Jefferson = Democratic- Republican Hamilton = Federalists BEEFIN’ Their differences became too great, so Jefferson left his cabinet position, and Hamilton soon followed.

First Political Parties Democratic Republicans Federalists Democratic Republicans led by Alexander Hamilton led by Thomas Jefferson strong central government led by industry and the wealthy strong state governments led by the “common man” emphasis on agriculture “Cultivators of the earth are the most valuable citizens.” – Thomas Jefferson emphasis on manufacturing, shipping, and trade loose interpretation of the Constitution strict interpretation of the Constitution favored the national bank opposed the national bank favored protective tariffs opposed protective tariffs pro-British pro-French

Role of the People Federalists Representative government Educated and wealthy should hold office Keep the public out “The people are turbulent and changing; they seldom judge or determine right.”

Role of the People Democratic-Republicans Liberty only safe if ordinary people took part in government “I am not among those who fear the people. They, and not the rich, are [who we depend on] for continued freedom.”

Election of 1796 John Adams (Federalist) narrowly defeated Thomas Jefferson (Democratic- Republican) Loser became Vice President!

Adams’ Troubles XYZ Affair French began to seize American ships (bc France thought we were helping Britain) Jay’s Treaty Adams sent negotiators, but French refused them French demanded a bribe and a loan from the Americans ADAMS WAS MAD, TIME TO FIGHT

Adams’ Troubles After French behavior, public became untrusting of all aliens In response, Congress passed the Alien & Sedition Acts President could imprison or deport any aliens Restricted speech that criticized federal government

Adams’ Troubles Democratic-Republicans see these acts as TYRANNY. James Madison and Thomas Jefferson write the Virginia and Kentucky Resolutions Insisted Alien & Sedition Acts violated Constitution Promoted states’ rights (to protect themselves from federal government) Almost started a large-scale rebellion!!!

Adams’ Troubles In the end, they reached a treaty with France Too late for Adams though Public opinion fell dramatically

MATTHEW LYON The World’s Most Interesting Congressman

MATTHEW LYON The World’s Most Interesting Congressman FIRST MEMBER OF CONGRESS WITH ETHICS VIOLATION CHARGE LYON-GRISWOLD Lyon fight for common man Wooden sword Scoundrel Spit Two weeks later, wooden cane Tongs

MATTHEW LYON The World’s Most Interesting Congressman FIRST MEMBER OF CONGRESS TO BE ELECTED WHILE IN JAIL Alien and Sedition Act VIDEO