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Midterm Exam Paper
6/13/21
The Evolution of the Party Systems in the U.S.A
Whether it was intended or not by government officials, the wise words of George
Washington that suggested that political parties would lead to “The alternate domination of one
faction over another, sharpened by the spirit of revenge," had been dismissed. (The First
Political Parties) The most recent election in 2020 was a prime example of how the United
States had become a nation divided. With politics becoming more commercialized and
publicized by the media, polarization amongst the two prominent parties has risen. In fact,
according to the Global Investigative Journalism Network, “Pew Research found that 55% of
Democrats and 49% of Republicans are “afraid” of the other party.”(Phillip) A Nation deemed to
be united, is now built off of fear. However, the question in hand is if this polarization was
unanticipated or if the country was doomed since the creation of the first party system.
Throughout history, Americans align their values and beliefs with the like minded
whether it is a political party, an organization, a clique, etc. In 1796, Americans were introduced
to the First Party System which included the Federalists and Anti-Federalists, also known as
Democratic Republicans. The birth of this establishment was due to the constant struggle over
the ratification of the Constitution written in 1787. Those in favor of the treaty called themselves
‘The Federalists’, labeled as the “friends of order,” acting as firm allies of the federal
administration. Federalists yearned for a strong central government, understanding the
significance of certain economic policies like the creation of a central bank and managing the
tariff system. Despite George Washington’s disapproval of political parties, the vice president at
the time, John Adams, was in favor of the Federalist party. He and one of the most influential
leaders of the party, Alexander Hamilton (first secretary of treasury), worked alongside each
other to ensure the success of their party. Hamilton introducing his financial program in 1790,

was a massive milestone for the party. His program included “assumption of the state’s
Revolutionary War debts; the creation of a system of taxes and tariffs to pay for the debt; and a
First Bank of the United States to handle the finances.” (The History of Political Parties)The
approval of the program by Congress essentially led to a decade of a Federalist dominated
government. In fact, in 1795, Washington’s cabinet was solely made up of federalists, the same
as Adams’ presidency in 1797.