Federalists
Early 1800's
Assuming States Debt
- The Democratic-Republicans eventually supported the assumption of state debts. As long as the Federalists agreed to move the nations capital to the banks of the Potomac
River in the South.
Creation Of A National Bank
- The biggest controversy between Federalists and Democratic-Republicans was The National Bank.
- Democratic-Republicans argued that the Constitution should be interpreted strictly; it did not specifically grant Congress the right to create a national bank. Federalists argued that Congress granted authority to make all laws "necessary and proper" to the execution of its powers.
The French Revolution
- Federalists and Democratic-Republicans disagreed over the Foreign Policy.
- When the Revolution began in 1789, the Federalists sided with Britain to secure the trade market, while the Democratic Republicans supported the French overthrow of their king.
The Power of the National Government
- A Proclamation of Neutrality was issued by George Washington, while the United States attempted to remain neutral.
- Charles C. Pinckney, and two other Americans, met with three representatives of the French Government. They asked for a bribe, but they were rejected. The incident became known as the X Y Z Affair, which brought the political parties into a conflict.
Alien and Sedition Acts
- The federalists passed the Alien and Sedition Acts, an act designed to silence and weaken the Democratic-Republican Party and to silence its newspapers.
- The Democratic Republicans claimed that the passing of the Alien and Sedition Acts were a violation of the freedom of press.
- The Alien and Sedition Act controversy led to the election of Thomas Jefferson in 1800.
War with Britain in 1812
- In 1812, the US declared war on Great Britain, John C. Calhoun "War Hawk" was in favor of the war.
- The War of 1812 brought a new surge of nationalism. Nationalism is Patriotic feelings, principles, or efforts to have pride in your nation/country.
George Washington and Alexander Hamilton
They were the national leaders of the political party "Federalists".
A Creative Slogan
Weakening and silence is best for our Federalists and worst for Democratic-Republicans.
George Washington
The Constitution is the guide which I never will abandon.
Alexander Hamilton
There is a certain enthusiasm in liberty, that makes human nature rise above itself, in acts of bravery and heroism.
The Federalists Collection
“The accumulation of all powers, legislative, executive, and judiciary, in the same hands, whether of one, a few, or many, and whether hereditary, self appointed, or elective, may justly be pronounced the very definition of tyranny.”