BR: 4/13/17 What are the two major political parties that we have in the U.S. today? List some of the differences:

Ch. 8.3, Part I: The First Political Parties U. S. History I Ch. 8.3, Part I: The First Political Parties

Opposing Views George Washington, as good a president that he was, was not without his flaws or detractors. One paper even went so far as to call him “the scourge and misfortune of this country.” Clearly, being president is not a fun job. Many of those who attacked the president were trying to make Thomas Jefferson look better in comparison. By 1796, the country was dividing into opposite groups, and the beginnings of our modern 2 party system had evolved. In Washington’s cabinet, Thomas Jefferson often ended up facing off against Alexander Hamilton, and despite Washington trying to be fair, he often sided with Hamilton in most cases. A rivalry was brewing. VID

Federalists versus Democratic-Republicans By the 1790s, two groups emerged. The first was the Federalists, who like Alexander Hamilton, favored: Stronger federal government Rule by the wealthy and educated Promoting manufacturing to build the economy Loosely interpret the Constitution Allying with Britain Creating a national bank Protective tariffs. Meanwhile, eventually Thomas Jefferson and others who agreed with him also formed a group, whom they called the Democratic-Republicans, and fought against the Federalists, favoring: Rule by the people, regardless of education, etc. Strong state governments, weaker fed. Government Emphasis on Agriculture / farming Strict interpretation of the Constitution Allying with France State banks Free Trade

Deeper Divide These differences went even deeper. The Federalists believed that honest, educated men should represent the public in deciding law, since, as Hamilton himself put it, “The people are turbulent and changing…they seldom judge or determine [things] right.” In his mind, the uneducated masses of regular folks were too easily swayed by rabble-rousers. Meanwhile, the Republicans and Jefferson feared that a powerful federal government run by a few wealthy people would lead to tyranny, and abuse by those in power. If ordinary people were involved, that abuse might be stopped. In the meantime, Washington tried to get the two leaders and their followers to get along, but failed. In 1793, Jefferson resigned as Sec. of State, as did Hamilton in 1795 as Sec. of Treasury. Then the election of 1796 happened: VID, 2 PV VID

Reminders: Make sure to finish your Presidential Proclamation, and we’ll be presenting those at the end of class.