“The Birth Of Political Parties”

Chapter 10 Section 3

-The framers of the Constitution had not expected the development of political parties.

-Political parties-organized groups of people with similar ideas about government-By the early 1790’s, two political parties

were fighting for control of the nation’s government. They were called the Republicans and Federalists.

The Birth of Political Parties

Federalists Republicans

Federalists Republicans

Leaders- Alexander Hamilton John Adams Regions of Support- Strongest in northern

towns and coastal south

Leaders- Thomas Jefferson James Madison Regions of Support- Strongest in northern

farming areas and southern and western backcountry

Federalists Republicans

Federalists Republicans

Beliefs- rule by wealthy &

educated people Strong national gov’t Loose construction Limit states’ rights Laws to help business High tariffs Powerful national bank Pro-British

Beliefs- Rule by common

people Weak national gov’t Strict construction Protect states’ rights Laws to help farmers Low tariffs No national bank Pro-French

In the election of 1796, Adams won the presidency by three electoral votes. Jefferson came in second, which made him Vice-President. The nation was in a difficult situation. Its two top leaders belonged to different political parties.

John Adams-PRESIDENT- FEDERALIST Thomas Jefferson-VICE PRESIDENT-

REPUBLICAN

Election of 1796

John Adams- 2nd POTUS

Thomas Jefferson-V.P.

As the war between France and Britain ensued, Adams found it hard to continue a policy of neutrality.

After French attacks on American ships, Adams sent diplomats to France.

In the “XYZ Affair”, the French demanded bribes. Americans responded with a half-war with France.

A “half- war” is an undeclared war.

Problems Overseas

Republicans harshly criticized the Federalists. In response, Federalists in Congress passed the Alien and Sedition Acts. The Alien Acts gave the President power to jail or deport aliens if they were troublesome and suspected to be spies. The Sedition Act banned the writing or speech that stirred up hatred against Congress or the President.

Aliens-foreigners who are not yet citizens Sedition-actions that may cause people to

rebel against government

Alien and Sedition Acts

Republicans feared tyranny by the federal government due to the Federalists passing the Alien and Sedition Acts. Jefferson and Madison turned to States to protect people’s freedoms.

The Virginia and Kentucky resolutions charged that the Alien and Sedition Acts were unconstitutional. The Kentucky Resolution also argued that states have the right to nullify an unconstitutional law.

Fear of Tyranny

The election laws of 1800 resulted in a tie between Republicans Thomas Jefferson and Aaron Burr. It was up to the House of Representatives to decide.

The Federalists wanted to embarrass Jefferson, so the Federalists voted for Burr. For 6 days and 35 ballots the tie continued. Finally , Alexander Hamilton broke the tie by throwing his support to Jefferson. Hamilton said of the two candidates, Jefferson was “not so dangerous a man”.

Election of 1800

Thomas Jefferson –Republican -3rd President Aaron Burr-Republican-Vice President In 1804, the 12th amendment was added to

the Constitution to prevent a presidential tie again. Electors now vote separately for President and V.P.

On July 11, 1804 Aaron Burr(V.P.) and Alexander Hamilton(former sec. of Treasury) duel in Weehawken, N.J. Hamilton was fatally injured in the duel by a shot from Burr’s pistol. Hamilton died the next day.

Results of Election of 1800

Thomas Jefferson-3rd POTUS

Aaron Burr –Vice President

Alexander Hamilton

Burr and Hamilton Duel