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. 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 CAUSES EFFECTS Different philosophies of government. Conflicting interpretations of the Constitution. Different economic and regional interests. Citizens begin to pick one of the two sides. 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 Democratic-Republicans 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? NO BRIBE, NO NEGOTIATIONS! 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: Congress established a naval department (1798) and began building battleships. Congress increased the size of the well-trained army.

Alien and Sedition Acts 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 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 re-election. 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.