Washington's Two-Party System

Words: 502
Pages: 3
Open Document
Throughout his two terms, President George Washington opposed having a two-party system. He reasoned it would divide the public without a unified body. He advocated for constant change for the country and the Oval Office, stepping down after two terms of presidency (this became the norm and eventually the law). Despite this warning, parties would emerge shortly after Washington’s retirement in an attempt to win over the American public during the upcoming election. The two main parties were the Federalists (formed by Alexander Hamilton) and the Democratic-Republicans (formed by Thomas Jefferson and James Madison). The Federalist Party began as one that advocated for a “strong central government.” Under Hamilton, the party held power from 1789 through 1801 (John Adams losing to Thomas Jefferson). The party …show more content…
While this party worked favorably for the rich, the poor had strongly resented the Federalists and looked elsewhere for their voices to be heard. Because of this, a new party was formed in retaliation to the Federalists. The Democratic-Republican Party was established in 1792 by Thomas Jefferson and James Madison to unite the “Anti-Federalists” into one group. The people who supported the Democratic Republic rallied for the protection of state rights and a “strict interpretation” of the Constitution. They argued that the Federalists kept attitudes that they considered “aristocratic” (relating to how their policies and ideologies heavily favored the rich class) while also debating that the common person was being tossed aside. The Republicans also opposed the idea of a strong and central government in favor of a limited one. Examples include the opposition to strong executive power and the creation of armed forces. The most notable one that the republicans opposed was the Jay Treaty, due to the inability to trade and negotiate with
Show More

Related Documents: Washington's Two-Party System

George Washington's Two Party System

Today we see the domination of the two party system in our country which has lead to extreme division and polarization of ideals. I will argue in this paper that this two party system is against what the founding father wanted for this country. It is not beneficial to the growth of the United States and leaves out a portion of the population who’s ideals do not fit into one party or the other. In George Washington’s farewell address he warned us that political parties would lead to conflict and stagnation…

Words 463 - Pages 2

Compare And Contrast Republicans And Democrats

In his farewell address, George Washington predicts that dividing into two political parties would divide and possibly destroy the United States. In the past decade, having two political parties has had a negative impact on education in our country. Republicans and Democrats have completely different views on how to improve our educational system, which is why I agree with George Washington’s prediction. The Republican Party believes that the government should not be very involved in schools and…

Words 442 - Pages 2

Summary Of His Excellency: George Washington By Joseph Ellis

prelude and seven chapters. In the first two chapters, Ellis describes Washington’s early life and the beginning of his military career. George Washington was born to Augustine and Mary Ball Washington on February 22, 1732, in Westmoreland County, Virginia. Growing up on the Mount Vernon plantation in Virginia, Washington received little formal education and was raised largely by his older half-brother Lawrence, who served as a father because Washington’s father died when George was only 11. That…

Words 670 - Pages 3

George Washington's Party System

Despite Washington’s efforts to urge America to develop without party systems, there were many factors that contributed to the development of a divide within the American Political system. During the era of Washington and Adams, there were two major ideologies that resonated with the individuals in America who were politically educated; there was Federalism (once known as Hamiltonianism) and Republicanism (once known as Jeffersonianism). These two concepts celebrated widely different types of federal…

Words 490 - Pages 2

Politicle parties to split Essay

"What led to the rise of the political parties in 1790?" Emily Micallef Political parties first came about at the Constitutional Convention. There , the delegates were all in agreement that the Articles of Confederation had to be fixed. Of course, there were some differences, but the first political parties didn't evolve until Washington's presidency. At the beginning of his presidency, two of his cabinet members, Alexander Hamilton the secretary of the Treasury and Thomas…

Words 1057 - Pages 5

George Washington's Influence On Government

George Washington’s presidency had a great effect on the future government, as well as America’s actions at the time. Washington made some brilliant decisions, whereas others may not have made the decision that was in the best interest of the United States of America. The nation was just starting out, and Washington had to choose which actions would be best for both the current and future fates of the nation. Washington had to set an example through wars, rebellions, and treaties, while preserving…

Words 1036 - Pages 5

What Was Washington's Contribution To Foreign Policy

Farewell Address Perhaps Washington's greatest contribution to US foreign policy came in his farewell address in 1796. Washington was not seeking a third term (although the Constitution did not then prevent it), and his comments were to herald his exit from public life. Washington warned against two things. The first, although it was really too late, was the destructive nature of party politics. The second was the danger of foreign alliances. He warned neither to favor one nation too highly over…

Words 535 - Pages 3

Alexander Hamilton's Accomplishments

the Revolutionary War, interest grew in learning more about scientific research. Alexander Hamilton was an American political leader, who was an aid-de-camp to George Washington during the Revolutionary War, and founded the first American political party, the Federalists. His early life and experiences influence his later accomplishments. Alexander Hamilton was born on January 11th, 1755, on the Island of Nevis in the British West Indies. Alexander Hamilton was the son of James Hamilton, a scotsman…

Words 917 - Pages 4

The Louisiana Purchase: Significant Moral Dilemmas For President Thomas Jefferson

Territory in 1803. Before Jefferson pulled off the land deal of the millennium, the French was in charge of the 828,000 miles that stretches from the Mississippi River to the Rocky Mountains. It is said that Jefferson’s first offers to France were two then ten million dollars. The first offer was denied but since the French were in need of money the second offer was approved and it included a bonus. Soon after the territory was bought he became interested in western exploration. Native Americans…

Words 998 - Pages 4

Essay about Early American Politics and Law 1794-1795

out of a revolutionary war with Great Britain, no longer colonies gathered together as subjects of the crown, but an independent nation of states and founders planting the seeds of democracy during the year of 1795. By this decade the first party political system had begun to form, or, in fact had formed and were known as the Federalists and the Democratic-Republicans or simply Republicans. At this time the Federalists were in power, with George Washington serving his second term in office having won…

Words 2230 - Pages 9