The Federalist Party<span> was the first American political party. It existed from the early 1790s to 1816; its remnants lasted into the 1820s. The Federalists called for a strong national government that promoted economic growth and fostered friendly relationships with </span>Great Britain<span>, as well as opposition to revolutionary France. The party controlled the federal government until 1801, when it was overwhelmed by the </span>Democratic-Republican<span> opposition led by </span>Thomas Jefferson<span>.</span>
