Chapter 16: Emergence of America’s first “political system.”

A total of four “political systems” will materialize in America between the formation of the Union and its break-up in the Civil War. In each case, one party will achieve dominant power nationally, and one or more opponents, offering different platforms, will seek to gain control at the next election.

The “First Political System” begins in 1789 and runs to 1828.

While Washington is nominally an Independent, his policies lean toward the “Federalist.” They calls for a strong central government led by an authoritative executive. The Federalists are dedicated to creating a modern financial system and investing in the infrastructure required to build a diversified and industrialized economy. Their leader is Alexander Hamilton, George Washington’s aide during the Revolutionary War and his initial Secretary of the Treasury.

Their opponents are the “Anti-Federalists” who label themselves as “Democratic-Republicans” and reflect the beliefs of Thomas Jefferson. They are convinced that policy decisions are best made locally, not nationally, by those closest to the issues at hand. They fear that a too powerful executive will function like a monarch and trample on rights properly belonging to the “sovereign states.” Instead of Hamilton’s call for diversification, they are dedicated to an agrarian economy driving by yeoman farmers growing a range of subsistence and export crops – with the help of slave labor.

Profile Of The Two Initial Political Parties