Question

The emergence of political parties in America grew out of the Federalist-Antifederalist controversy during the creation and ratification of the United States Constitution. Explain this statement and trace the development of factions 1789-1800.

Answer 1

The first party ever made in the U.S. was the Federalist party, in 1787. It was led by Alexander Hamilton and other leaders, mainly bankers, northern businessmen, and merchants. Seeing the inefficacy of the weak government established in the Articles of Confederation, this party promoted the creation of a Constitution that established a strong central government with enough enforcement powers such as the ability to collect taxes, raise an army and create a national bank. They also promoted the idea that the Constitution was open to interpretation, thus the government would have "unmentioned rights" that would give them additional powers whenever necessary.

Around a year later, the second political party was made. The Democratic-Republican party or The Anti federalist party emerged due to disagreements with the first party's policies. The Anti-Federalists were led by Thomas Jefferson and James Madison and mainly supported by planters, small farmers, and artisans. This party strongly opposed the Federalist interpretation of the Constitution as well as the idea of a strong government. It leaned to give more power to the states and local governments instead and promoted the creation of a Bill of Rights that listed people's liberties and put limitations to government power.