Issues like the role of the government, the people’s rights, and international affairs were some of the more major aspects that prompted the evolution of the first American political party system. The administration of Washington and Adam’s dueled it out with their contributions to the solving of these national problems in the midst of deciding whether such things as state power and people’s rights were dangerous to the state of the national government. After all these things forming throughout their legacy, factions known as the Jeffersonian and Hamiltonian transformed into political parties that gave opposing views on our nation. As the new American government began to form, because of the division between the Federalists and the Anti-Federalists, Washington realized there needed to be a President in charge who could balance the nation with power and release to the people. He stood for a strong federal government because he strongly struggled with giving states too much power, thinking they would start a rebellion in which could not be controlled.
The Federalists were usually characterized as loose constructionists, which meant they focused more on the intent of the constitution and its framers, and believed that changes were necessary for the development of the nation. Although Republicans and Federalists were characterized as having these particular views towards the enactment of the Constitution, when Jefferson and Madison served as Presidents during the beginning of the 19th century from 1800 to 1817, it was proven that even though they seemed to believe in their own views, in reality when time came, they started changing their beliefs and becoming both strict and loose constructionists for the good of the nation, which was strongly advocated by Henry Clay and his American System. The same would occur for the Federalists, so generally, each side did not accurately characterize itself during the early 19th century and proved each side had its similar interest when interpreting the Constitution. Before Jefferson became President in 1800, The Federalists dominated national politics for the first decade of America’s governmental history because of George Washington and John Adams favoring Federalist views. It was not until the
However, England thought the American colonies would be best suited to their crown and parliament, because ruling the North American continent was a privilege only strong countries could have. The French and Indian war: It all started when the united thirteen states decided to fight for their independence. They joined together to break the British Empire. One of the main reasons was the French and Indian war, also known as the `Seven Years War’,
Jefferson and the Jeffersonian Republicans believed that the authority of the federal government was based on a strict constitution. The Federalists believed in the opposite. Federalists believed that the constitution should be interpreted in a loose and broader way. The Federalists were able to make decisions that were not written word for word in the constitution. Jefferson states his disagreements with James Madison when he says, “Our country is too large to have all its affairs directed by a single government.” (Document A).
Politically, conversatism consisted of the hereditary monarchy, a democracy that was rejected, and political decisions made by the monarch and his personal advisors. Liberalism favored the governments that were based on constitutions and separation of powers. It was a supporter of a republican government, or a constitutional monarchy where the ruler is elected by the people. Socially, conservatism wanted social order, much like the Three Estates System, while liberalism defended the natural rights of all people to liberty, equality, and property. The Industrial Revolution was rejected by the conservatives because it brought more power to the bourgeoisie, who owned the means of production, while it weakened the nobles.
Supporters of the constitution countered these arguments by adding some safeguards in some cases and also by thoroughly explaining the limited powers that the leader and government would have and the necessity for a strong central government. The constitution called for one executive leader, the President, who many thought would resemble a dictator, and America would be just like it was during colonial times. The framers of the Constitution knew that there needed to be a centralized government with a single executive leader to lead the country. However, some people like Patrick Henry, feared that a president would lead to “absolute despotism” and that there were actually more checks and balances in the British system of kings and lords (Doc. A).
Terrell Richardson AP US History November 26, 2012 Ms. Lister Period 4 The Presidency of Thomas Jefferson The election of Thomas Jefferson was seen as a revolution for Democratic-Republicans because the Federalists were losing power in government. Even though Jefferson was a Republican, he was believed to compromise with the Federalist beliefs for the good of the nation. Professor Morton Borden argues that Jefferson was a pragmatic politician who placed the nation’s best interests above his own. Professor Forrest McDonald believes that Jefferson was trying to replace Hamilton’s Federalist Principles with Republican’s. Jefferson supported ideas that were beneficial to the nation even if he had to compromise with the Federalists which caused him to be seen as a political compromiser.
Causes of the Revolutionary The cause of the revolutionary war was not one but many causes. The main cause which seems to be fact was the the colonists and Britain’s views on laws that Parliament had enforced upon the colonies such as new taxes. The colonists believed they should not be taxed with out representation because they wanted to voice their opinion about laws Parliament creates. Britain believed the colonies were created to be used to benefit Britain. When the French and Indian War ended the British felt they had the right to settle former French land even though Indians inhabited most of it.
In other words, adopting a policy based on the principle of accepting the idea of the multiplicity of ideological doctrines, and understanding between the two camps concerning the international issues. The Two-Party System in America America has a stable two-party system that first emerged in the late 18th century as a conflict between Federalists led by Alexander Hamilton and the Republicans led by Thomas Jefferson. Basically, the roots of the conflict between the two parties were due to the differences in ideologies and views. Federalists wanted a powerful national government to push for aggressive economic development. Whereas, Republicans wanted a small national government to leave the citizens mostly free of taxation or government interference.
Federalists vs. Democrat-Republicans Issue Federalists Demorat-Republicans Notes National vs. state governments Favored a strong central government with the power to control commerce, tax, declare war, and make treaties Sought to limit the role of the national government, favoring local control • This issue, never finally settled until the Civil War, was the basic philosophical point of contention between the two parties. French Revolution Opposed the Revolution and opposed American support for the antimonarchy group Supported the popular forces in the French Revolution and favored American assistance • The debt of America to France for its assistance during the American Revolution is seen as due and unpaid