1. First American Political Parties

2. U.S. Political Parties: Beginnings
What is a political party?
Organization of people who share similar ideas about the way the country should be governed

3. Political Party Systems
3 Political Party Systems in the World
1.) One Party System: Political party and the government are the SAME
Only 1 party, so no competing ideas
Party membership based on lineage, wealth, military power, religious power
Example: China (Communist Party)

4. Political Party Systems
2.) Multi-Party System: Three or more parties compete for control of the government
Common in Europe, Israel, Japan
Advantage: provides voters with many different choices and ideas
Disadvantage: difficult for one party to get majority of votes, which leads to a Coalition:
EXAMPLE – Italy (50 different govts. since WWII)
Daisy Alliance Sunflower Alliance Italian Communist
500,000 votes ,000 votes ,000 votes
Coalition

5. Political Party Systems
3. Two-Party System: Two parties compete with each other to run the government.
Party system of U.S.: Democrats and Republicans
Advantages: Continuity
Disadvantages: Minority parties (third parties) receive little attention – focus is on two main parties

6. U.S. Political Parties: Beginnings
George Washington against political parties
“parties serve their own interests”
“parties not beneficial to American people”
Parties formed after his exit:
Democratic-Republicans
2. Federalists

7. U.S. Political Parties: Beginnings
Republicans
Supported states rights
Supported economy based on agriculture
Power in hands of all people
More power to the States
Pro-French
Strict interpretation of Constitution
Led by Thomas Jefferson
Not the same “Republican Party” we have today

8. U.S. Political Parties: Beginnings
Federalists
Supported strong national govt.
Supported economy based on industry
Power in hands of wealthy and educated
Pro-British
Loose interpretation of Constitution
Led by Alexander Hamilton

9. U.S. Political Parties: Beginnings
Federalists Breakup
Federalists gradually disappear – no political momentum
John Adams only party member to be elected President
Supporters formed new party: Whig Party ( )

10. Washington’s Farewell Address
Concerned about preserving national unity
Warned that passionate loyalty to political parties can tear the nation apart
Also warned against getting involved in European politics.

11. Are you a Federalist or Republican?
Congress wants to build a canal to make it easier and more efficient to travel on rivers. This will benefit merchants who ship their products on rivers. In order to build the canals, they have to increase taxes for everyone. How would you vote?
Vote FOR the canal and taxes
Vote AGAINST the canal and taxes

12. Are you a Federalist or a Republican?
Congress wants to create a national bank to loan money to businesspeople to build factories and ships. The bank will not loan money to farmers to buy land. How would you vote?
Vote FOR the bank and the rules for loans
Vote AGAINST the band and the rules for loans

13. Are you a Federalist or a Republican?
A violent outbreak occurs because farmers don’t want to pay the increased tax for the canal you approved. Should you use the state militia to put down the rebellion?
Vote FOR the use of the militia
Vote AGAINST the use of the militia

14. As for the question on the Canal…
If you voted FOR, you would’ve been a:
FEDERALIST
Federalists wanted to spend taxes on building roads, canals that would benefit the manufacturing business.
If you voted AGAINST, you would’ve been a:
REPUBLICAN
Republicans thought the federal government spending should be limited.

15. As for the question on the Creation of a National Bank…
If you voted FOR, you would’ve been a:
FEDERALIST
Federalists wanted to spend taxes on a central bank so the national economy could be managed by the federal government
If you voted AGAINST, you would’ve been a:
REPUBLICAN
Republicans thought the states should spend their money as they saw fit, whether that be a focus on agriculture or industry…let the states decide.

16. As for the question on the Militia…
If you voted FOR, you would’ve been a:
FEDERALIST
Federalists thought the federal government should be responsible for administering order.
If you voted AGAINST, you would’ve been a:
REPUBLICAN
Republicans thought a standing army, or a Federal Army, infringed on their individual liberties.