STANDARD US1.7c
Political Parties Emerge

The student will demonstrate knowledge of the challenges faced by the new nation by
c) identifying the conflicts that resulted in the emergence of two political parties.

What were the major differences between Hamilton and Jefferson?


Alexander Hamilton and Thomas Jefferson had opposing views on the role of the national government.
That opposition resulted in the creation of two political parties.

The debate over the role of the national government has continued throughout United States history.

Major party differences
• Alexander Hamilton
– Leader of Federalists
– Favored strong national government
– Favored limits on states’ powers
– Favored development of industry on a national scale
– Favored a national bank		 • Thomas Jefferson
– Leader of the Democratic Republicans
– Favored a weak national government
– Supported states’ powers
– Favored small business and farmers
– Opposed a national bank

STANDARD US1.7d 
Accomplishments of the First Five Presidents

The student will demonstrate knowledge of the challenges faced by the new nation by
d) describing the major accomplishments of the first five presidents of the United States.

What were the major national issues and events faced by the first five presidents?

Congress and the first five presidents made decisions establishing a strong government that helped the nation grow in size and power.

All of the first five presidents were Virginians except John Adams

Accomplishments during first five presidencies
George Washington
• Federal court system was established.
• Political parties grew out of the disagreements between Hamilton and Jefferson over the proper role of the national government.
• The Bill of Rights was added to the Constitution of the United States of America.
• Plans were initiated for development of the national capital in Washington, D.C. Benjamin Banneker, an African American astronomer and surveyor, helped complete the design for the city.

John Adams
• A two-party system emerged during his administration.		 Thomas Jefferson
• He bought Louisiana from France (Louisiana Purchase).
• Lewis and Clark explored this new land west of the Mississippi River.

James Madison
• The War of l812 caused European nations to gain respect for the United States.

James Monroe
• He wrote the Monroe Doctrine warning European nations not to interfere in the Western Hemisphere.