The rise and influence of political parties: the Jefferson Republican (Democratic Republican Party) under Jefferson and James Madison, the Federalist Party under Alexander Hamilton and John Adams
America's first two political parties formed in the 1790s. Jefferson and Madison led the Democratic-Republicans, while Hamilton and Adams led the Federalists. Each party held opposing views on government power.
Real World
Jefferson and Madison secretly authored the Virginia and Kentucky Resolutions in 1798, arguing states could nullify federal laws they deemed unconstitutional — a direct party response to the Federalists' Alien and Sedition Acts under Adams.
Exam Focus
Avoid simply listing each party's beliefs; show how their policies directly clashed over a specific issue such as the National Bank or Alien and Sedition Acts.
Essay Framework
Use PEEL to structure every paragraph. Tap each step for guidance and an example.
How well did you know this?