Unit One Lesson Five

Unit 1 Lesson 5:The Emergence of Political Parties : 

Unit 1 Lesson 5:The Emergence of Political Parties

Key Terms : 

Key Terms Faction Unconstitutional Democratic Republican Federalist

Background : 

Background When George Washington ran for President in 1789, there was no such thing as political parties. Most American leaders greatly disliked the idea of political parties. Thomas Jefferson once said, “If I could not go to heaven but with a party, I would not go at all.” Very early in our American history political disagreements divided many Americans. Before Washington left office, two political parties were emerging to compete for power.

Distrust of Political Parties : 

Distrust of Political Parties American had seen how factions, or opposing groups within parties, worked in Britain. In Britain, members of factions often plotted to win government favors and bribes. Many were more interested in personal gain than in public good.

Distrust Continued : 

Distrust Continued Americans felt that political parties were a threat to national unity. Despite Washington’s urging against the idea, two political factions began to develop around two members of his Cabinet. Alexander Hamilton Thomas Jefferson Both men differed greatly in background, looks, personality, and politics.

Two Cabinet Members : 

Two Cabinet Members Hamilton Born in the West Indies Born into poverty and worked his way up Energetic, brilliant, and restless Formal Thomas Jefferson Tall, lankey Wealthy Dressed and spoke informally Brilliant

Their Diputes : 

Their Diputes Hamilton wanted the U.S. to model itself after Britain. Government should encourage manufacturing and trade. Favored the growth of cities and the merchant class. Jefferson thought farmers were the backbone of the nation. “The cultivators of the earth are our most valuable citizens.” Feared a manufacturing economy would corrupt the government by concentrating power in the hands of a small group of Americans.

Slide 8: 

Hamilton Felt the federal government should have more power than the states Strong federal government was needed to increase commerce. Jefferson Felt the states should have more power than the federal government. Believed in a very small federal government Felt that individual freedom would be compromised with a big federal government.

Strict or Loose Interpretation of the Constitution : 

Strict or Loose Interpretation of the Constitution Jefferson felt that the Bank of the United States was unconstitutional, or going against the United States Constitution. To Jefferson any power not stated in the Constitution should be given to the states, not the country. This is considered strict interpretation.

Slide 10: 

Hamilton believed in a loose interpretation of the Constitution where the federal government had the power to make all laws “necessary and proper” to carry out the duties of the government. Hamilton believed that the bank was necessary to collect taxes and pay bills.

Britain and France : 

Britain and France Two leaders disagreed over foreign policy. Hamilton wanted close ties with Britain, a partner in trade and commerce. Jefferson favored France, the first ally of the United States.

How Parties Developed : 

How Parties Developed At first Hamilton and Jefferson clashed in private As Hamilton’s policies began to get passed, Jefferson and James Madison decided to get supporters on their side. Hamilton and Jefferson went to New York to attempt to gain supporters. Here they got the support of Governor George Clinton and Aaron Burr Jefferson asked these two men to tell New Yorkers to vote for Jefferson’s supporters.

Republican Versus Federalists : 

Leaders in the states began supporting either Jefferson or Hamilton. Jefferson’s supporters began calling themselves Democratic-Republicans, often shortened to Republicans. Hamilton and his supporters began calling themselves Federalists. This is because they favored a strong central government. Drew support from merchants and industrialists from New York and Boston. They also had the support of some Southern planters. Republican Versus Federalists

Newspapers and the Media : 

Newspapers and the Media In the late 1790s the number of newspapers more than doubled. Growth met a demand for information. A European visitor was actually surprised at how many people in the United States could read or write. “The common people ….. all read and write, and understand arithmetic, and almost every little town furnishes a circulating library.”

Slide 15: 

As party rivalries grew, newspapers began taking sides. The Gazette of the United States backed Hamilton and the Federalists. Jefferson’s friend, Philip Freneau started a rival newspaper, the National Gazette, which supported the Republicans. Newspapers had great influence over the American people.

Election of 1796 : 

Election of 1796 Political parties played a huge role in the election of Washington’s successor. 1796 Republicans backed Jefferson for President and Aaron Burr for Vice President. Federalists backed John Adams for President and Thomas Pinckney for Vice President.

Results of the Election : 

Results of the Election The election had an unexpected outcome. Under the Constitution the man with the most electoral votes became President. The one with the second highest amount became Vice President. John Adams, a federalist, won the electoral votes Thomas Jefferson came in second and therefore, became Vice President. Having two men in charge with very different views became very difficult.