1. Origins of the Two-Party System
Hamilton vs. Jefferson
Get today’s handouts from the side table…and be prepared to be amazed
Yeah…I actually agree with you for once…we are amazing.
How did the disagreements between Hamilton and Jefferson help create the nation’s 1st political parties?

2. George Washington’s Cabinet
Washington appointed advisors to help him run the country (precedent!)
Thomas Jefferson: Secretary of State
In charge of the Department of State, which deals with foreign affairs
Alexander Hamilton: Secretary of the Treasury
In charge of the Department of Treasury, which manages the nations finances
Henry Knox: Secretary of War
In charge of the Department of War, which handles military matters
Edmund Randolph: Attorney General
Chief lawyer of the federal government

3. Alexander Hamilton
Believed in a strong central government led by a prosperous elite
Believed that commerce and industry were the keys to a strong nation
Envisioned an America much like Great Britain, with a strong central government, commerce, and industry.
Was popular in the North (New England)
Financial plan included a plan for a National Bank.
“Loose interpretation” of the Constitution
Government has powers that are not necessarily in the Constitution

4. Thomas Jefferson Distrusted a strong central government and the rich
Favored strong state and local governments
Favored a society of “farmer-citizens”
Was popular in the South and West
Disagreed with Hamilton’s plan for a National Bank
“Strict interpretation” of the Constitution
If it’s not in the Constitution, the government can’t do it.

5. Impacts of the Feud
The conflicts between Hamilton and Jefferson divided the Cabinet, and caused a division in national politics
This division would lead to the creation of the nation’s 1st political parties (against Washington’s advice):
Federalists (Hamilton)
Republicans/Democratic-Republicans (Jefferson)
Disagreements over the size and scope of the federal government continues to divide politics today.