George Washington served two terms (8 years) as President ◦ After his second term, he voluntarily stepped down from being the executive ◦ In his farewell address he gave Americans two pieces of advice  Avoid forming political parties – they would only divide the nation  Remain neutral and avoid making permanent alliances with foreign nations.

Americans were divided over how the nation should be run. ◦ Two groups formed with differing ideas of how the nation should be run.  Federalists  Democratic - Republicans ◦ Political Party- is a group of people that tries to promote its ideas and influence the government.  Political parties often support candidates who run for different offices, like Senate and House of Representative seats (openings in these houses) or even the presidency

Federalist Party Platform ◦ Strong National Government ◦ Favored a government run National Bank ◦ Supported Britain in their war with France ◦ Favored Lawyers, Merchants, Businessmen, Industrialists, Clergy, Wealthy class ◦ Economy based on Manufacturing, Industry, and Shipping and trade. (Business)

Democratic – Republican Party Platform. ◦ Limited national government ◦ Favored more power at the state level ◦ Opposed a government run National Bank ◦ Favored Farmers, Trades people, and the less wealthy working class ◦ Supported France in their war with Britain due to Frances cause: liberty ◦ Favored an Economy based on Farming

John Adams ◦ Was elected in 1796 and became the 2 nd president of the United States ◦ He represented the Federalist Party  The election of 1796 was the first election in which political parties competed