Essay On The Hamiltonian Federalists

There were two primary political parties that emerged in the United States during the 1790s - the Hamiltonian Federalists and the Jeffersonian Republicans. Each had their own distinct views on the role of the national government, as well as the method in which the Constitution should be interpreted. Due to their differences in opinion in management of the country there were several issues that arose, including the economic plan designed to reboot the country post-war and the nation’s relationship with France and the implications from their revolution.

The Hamiltonian Federalist party was led primarily by Alexander Hamilton, who acted as Secretary of Treasury during George Washington’s presidency, but additionally John Adams who would later be elected president after George Washington’s two terms. While Washington himself often favored the Federalist view and opinion on matters, he tried to maintain neutrality while in office. The Federalists believed in a strong, central national government, where the rights of the states didn't matter as much as their unification through the federal government. Additionally, they felt that the nation was better off under the rule of the “best” people (those who were educated, wealthy, and public figures), and believed that “freedom… rested on deference to national authority.” (Foner) A loose interpretation of the Constitution was preferred, and they wanted the economy to be essentially banking- and manufacturing-based. Federalists favored an ongoing relationship with Britain, for both trade reasons and admiration of their government structure.

As its name suggests, the Jeffersonian Republicans functioned under the leadership of Thomas Jefferson as well as James Madison. Jefferson was initiall...

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...le this declared American neutral between France and England, Washington made sure to emphasize that no one associate with either side.

While there were some instances where the Hamiltonian Federalists and the Jeffersonian Republicans managed to coexist in a somewhat peaceful manner, most of their tenure as political parties was filled with feuding and disagreement over the economy and role of the national government. The men were true to their beliefs and strategies in which they best believed to lead to a functioning, united America, and while often disagreeing they simply wanted to see the nation thrive and succeed. Major issues, including those of Hamilton’s suggested fiscal system as well as loyalties to the French, only contributed to their constant dislike of each other and their intentions, and most likely contributed to their demise as political parties.