Election of 1796 By 1796 Americans began to divide into opposing groups and form political parties Washington denounced political parties “they will divide the nation” Many Americans considered political parties harmful “factions” were to be avoided as much as strong central government

Democratic-Republicans The Parties Emerge Federalist Hamilton & Adams Supported the policies of Washington administration Rule by the wealthy Loose interpretation of Constitution Strong federal government Emphasis on manufacturing National bank Protective tariffs Supported Britain Democratic-Republicans Jefferson & Madison Wanted to limit power of federal government Rule by the people Strict/literal interpretation of the Constitution Strong state governments Emphasis on agriculture State banks Free trade Supported French

Views of the Constitution Hamilton and Adams believed that the Constitution should be interpreted loosely Used this to justify national bank Implied powers were “absolutely necessary” Jefferson & Madison disagreed Believed that Constitution should be interpreted strictly

Election of 1796 cont. Candidates sought office for the first time as members of a party To prepare for the election the parties held caucuses Federalist : John Adams (P) Thomas Pinckney (VP) Dem-Republicans: Thomas Jefferson (P) Aaron Burr (VP)

Results Federalist had support in the north Dem-Republicans support in the south Adams= 71electoral votes Jefferson= 68 electoral votes Adams won presidency Jefferson won vice presidency

Problems with France President Adams took office March 4, 1797 French thought Jay’s Treaty was a sign that US was helping Britain in the war between Britain and France France began seizing US ships in route to Britain Adams wanted to avoid going to war

XYZ Affair Fall 1797 sent delegation to Paris to try and resolve the dispute Charles de Talleyrand refused to meet with the delegates Talleyrand sent 3 agents to the delegates and demanded a bribe and a loan Adams was furious and referred to the agents as X, Y, Z Adams urged Congress to prepare for war

Undeclared War With France Navy department est. 1798 Army was increased Between 1798-1800 US & French vessels clashed a number of times Many Dem-Rep were voted out of office in 1798 for their support of France

Alien & Sedition Acts Threat of war with France made Americans suspicious of foreigners—”Aliens” 1798 Alien & Sedition Acts passed Naturalization Act: raised the residency requirement from 5 to 14 years before they could become eligible for citizenship Alien Act: Allowed president to imprison aliens or deport those considered dangerous Sedition Act: Illegal to speak, write, or publish “false, scandalous, and malicious” criticisms of government

Reaction to Acts Opposition to Federalist Party grew Movement to allow states to overturn federal laws grew Discouraged immigration, some foreigners left the country 10 newspaper editors convicted for writing against the government

Domestic Affairs The Virginia & Kentucky Resolutions Claimed the Alien & Sedition Acts were Unconstitutional Kentucky Resolution suggested that states nullify federal laws considered unconstitutional Reaffirmed principle of states rights

Turn of the Century As 1800 election approached Federalist urged Adams to rush to war with France Adams declined and appointed representatives to make peace Federalists turned against Adams Dem-Republicans had better chance in 1800 since Federalists had chaos within their party