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Formation of the Constitution
When the constitution was formed there were no political parties, only Washington in office. -
Formation of two political parties
After the constitution was created, two parties slowly formed. One party called the federalists were behind Hamilton, this party was in full support of a strong central government. The second party was the democratic-republicans, this party followed Jefferson, and believed in a small government. -
Hamilton's Financial Plan: Funding and Assumptions
Hamilton thought it would be a good idea to have funding and assumptions so that America can pay off debts, but Jefferson thought it was not fair because some states have more debt than others. -
Hamilton's Financial Plan: National Bank
Hamilton thought it would be a good idea to form a national bank to establish loans, Jefferson thought that this would make the rich wealthier and poor in poverty. -
Hamilton's Financial Plan: Tariff
Hamilton wanted to establish tariffs to protect factories and industries, but Jefferson wanted a nation that exported raw materials. -
Whiskey Rebellion
This was a rare time that both Hamilton and Jefferson agreed on something. Hamilton wanted a tax on whiskey to help pay for debt, and Jefferson agreed with Hamilton because he thought that it would increase sobriety and lower the death rates. -
The French Revolution
Jefferson was strongly against the French revolution due to the complication in trades. -
End to Washington's presidency
President George Washington retired of his duties as president. -
Alien and Sedition Acts
Hamilton tried to suppress and raise the Federalist power, but Jefferson took it as a threat, and due to this act the Virginia and Kentucky resolution was formed -
The Election of 1800
During the election of 1800, this was the first time the federalists peacefully gave power to the democrats. -
New President
In the election of 1800 Thomas Jefferson became the president of the Colonies. -
Louisiana Purchase
Jefferson wanted the Mississippi territory, and purchased it from France, but the federalists thought that this was unconstitutional -
Gaining Power
Under new president, James Madison, the federalists started losing power. The democratic-republicans started gradually adopting federalist programs, including support for manufacturing and commerce and a stronger central government. -
The War of 1812
During the war of 1812, America went to war with Britain as sort of a second war for independence, but the federalists did not want to go to war and this caused them to lose all of their support. -
James Monroe
After James Monroe became president in the 1820's, the federalists could no longer field a presidential candidate. James Monroe won re-election without opposition, and what was two parties became one, the Democrats.