1. “ Politicians are like diapers. They both need changing regularly, and for the same reason.” ~Author Unknown “Some men change their party for the sake of their principles; others their principles for the sake of their party.” ~ Winston Churchill

2. History of Political Parties

3. How did the US develop political parties? Many forefathers did not like the idea of parties George Washington and James Madison feared that parties would divide the nation

4. Federalists and Anti-Federalists were the first political parties Federalists: led by Alexander Hamilton –Believed that the nation should be run by wealthy, educated citizens Anti-Federalists: led by Thomas Jefferson –Believed in a limited government – states should be more powerful than the Federal Government

5. The Anti-Federalists became known as the Democratic Republicans –Eventually, the party split, and the larger party became known as the Democrats Between 1796-1860, many political parties existed… some survived, others did not (Whigs)… some were absorbed into one of the two major parties… 1865 to present: Democratic and Republican parties are the most prominent

6. Questions to think about… What was the first political party? What was the issue they formed over? Who opposed the Federalists? Who did Alexander Hamilton believe should have the power to vote? What did Thomas Jefferson believe?