The Constitution The First Political Parties

The two parties that formed were the Federalists and the Democratic-Republicans.

Federalists Democratic-Republicans

Alexander Hamilton

  • led by Alexander Hamilton

Thomas Jefferson

  • led by Thomas Jefferson
  • founded 1792
  • founded 1791
  • did not trust common people
    (Hamilton called democracy a "poison.")
  • wanted to educate everyone
  • wanted the government to be run by educated land owners
  • believed workers and farmers should have a voice in choosing and running the government
  • wanted a strong federal government, courts, and army
  • believed many powers should be left to states