Chapter 8 Section 2 Prentice Hall American History The Birth of Political Parties

1. THE BIRTH OF POLITICAL
PARTIES
Chapter 8 Section 2

2. FACTIONS
• It’s no accident that factions rhymes with fractions. Factions tore groups apart from each
other.
• You would think that after winning a Revolution and creating a Constitution, the leaders
of the new government could find a way to get along and work for the good of the
country.
• Everyone, especially Washington, looked at factions as trouble.

3. REPUBLICANS AND FEDERALISTS
• Jefferson’s followers became the Republicans.
• Hamilton’s followers became the Federalists.

4. Main Ideas
Jefferson’s
Republicans
Hamilton’s
Federalists
Who should have power?
Regular people
Well educated, wealthy
Which government should be
strongest?
States
Federal
What is the most important part
of the economy?
Farming
Manufacturing, shipping, and
trade
How do we interpret the
Constitution?
Strictly
Loosely
Who should we support
between England and France?
France
England
Should we have a national
bank?
No
Yes
Should we have a protective
tariff?
No
Yes

5. ELECTION OF 1796
• Washington set another precedent by not seeking a third term. No other
President did attempt a 3rd until FDR. After that, the 22nd Amendment
returned the Presidency to two terms, Washington’s precedent.
• The Federalist candidate was the first VP, John Adams.
• The Republican candidate was Thomas Jefferson.
• Because this was before the 12th Amendment, Adams was elected
President, and Jefferson was VP. Many disagreements would follow.
Who would be President Obama’s Vice-President if we didn’t have the 12th Amendment?