First American Political Parties

U.S. Political Parties:Beginnings

What is a political party?– Organization of people who share similar ideas about the

way the country should be governed

Political Party Systems

• 3 Political Party Systems in the World1.) One Party System: Political party and the government

are the SAME

• Only 1 party, so no competing ideas

• Party membership based on lineage, wealth, military power, religious power

• Example: China (Communist Party)

Political Party Systems

2.) Multi-Party System: Three or more parties compete for control of the government

– Common in Europe, Israel, Japan– Advantage: provides voters with many different choices and ideas

– Disadvantage: difficult for one party to get majority of votes,

which leads to a Coalition:

EXAMPLE – Italy (50 different govts. since WWII)

Daisy Alliance Sunflower Alliance Italian Communist

500,000 votes 450,000 votes 200,000 votes

Coalition

Political Party Systems

3. Two-Party System: Two parties compete with each other to run the government.

– Party system of U.S.: Democrats and Republicans

– Advantages: Continuity

– Disadvantages: Minority parties (third parties) receive little attention – focus is on two main parties

U.S. Political Parties:Beginnings

• George Washington against political parties “parties serve their own interests” “parties not beneficial to American people”

• Parties formed after his exit:1. Democratic-Republicans2. Federalists

U.S. Political Parties:Beginnings

• RepublicansSupported states rightsSupported economy based on

agriculturePower in hands of all peopleMore power to the StatesPro-FrenchStrict interpretation of ConstitutionLed by Thomas Jefferson

Not the same “Republican Party” we have today

U.S. Political Parties:Beginnings

• Federalists Supported strong national govt. Supported economy based on industry Power in hands of wealthy and

educated Pro-British Loose interpretation of Constitution Led by Alexander Hamilton

U.S. Political Parties:Beginnings

• Federalists BreakupFederalists gradually

disappear – no political momentum

John Adams only party member to be elected President

Supporters formed new party: Whig Party (1834-1856)

Washington’s Farewell Address

• Concerned about preserving national unity

• Warned that passionate loyalty to political parties can tear the nation apart

• Also warned against getting involved in European politics.

Are you a Federalist or Republican?

Congress wants to build a canal to make it easier and more efficient to travel on rivers. This will benefit merchants who ship their products on rivers. In order to build the canals, they have to increase taxes for everyone. How would you vote?

a.Vote FOR the canal and taxes

b.Vote AGAINST the canal and taxes

Are you a Federalist or a Republican?

• Congress wants to create a national bank to loan money to businesspeople to build factories and ships. The bank will not loan money to farmers to buy land. How would you vote?

a.Vote FOR the bank and the rules for loans

b.Vote AGAINST the band and the rules for loans

Are you a Federalist or a Republican?

A violent outbreak occurs because farmers don’t want to pay the increased tax for the canal you approved. Should you use the state militia to put down the rebellion?

a.Vote FOR the use of the militia

b.Vote AGAINST the use of the militia

As for the question on the Canal…

• If you voted FOR, you would’ve been a:

• FEDERALIST

• Federalists wanted to spend taxes on building roads, canals that would benefit the manufacturing business.

• If you voted AGAINST, you would’ve been a:

• REPUBLICAN

• Republicans thought the federal government spending should be limited.

As for the question on the Creation of a National Bank…

• If you voted FOR, you would’ve been a:

• FEDERALIST

• Federalists wanted to spend taxes on a central bank so the national economy could be managed by the federal government

• If you voted AGAINST, you would’ve been a:

• REPUBLICAN

• Republicans thought the states should spend their money as they saw fit, whether that be a focus on agriculture or industry…let the states decide.

As for the question on the Militia…

• If you voted FOR, you would’ve been a:

• FEDERALIST

• Federalists thought the federal government should be responsible for administering order.

• If you voted AGAINST, you would’ve been a:

• REPUBLICAN

• Republicans thought a standing army, or a Federal Army, infringed on their individual liberties.