Key Differences Between Federalists and Democratic-Republicans

As the United States moved toward the close of the 18th century, the rallying points of differing political philosophies became increasingly apparent. Political parties began to form, primarily between two factions: the Federalists, led by figures such as Alexander Hamilton, and the Democratic-Republicans, associated with Thomas Jefferson. These factions arose in response to varying perspectives on federal power, economic policy, and foreign relations.

The tensions between these groups became evident in a variety of debates and government actions, including the establishment of the national bank and differing stances on the French Revolution. Understanding the key ideological distinctions between these early political parties is crucial for grasping their impact on the formation of the U.S. government.