The Early Republic
The Development of Political Parties in the Early Republic
Learning Objective: Examine how and why political parties developed in the Early Republic, and investigate the how each political party chose to interpret and apply the Constitution.
Introduction: Even while it was being written, different groups developed strong points-of-view of how the Constitution should be interpreted and applied. These different perspectives would eventually lead to the first political parties in the United States. Central to each party’s position were ideas of freedom and the nature of the government’s power and authority. Eventually, differing opinions on these topics would result in significant regional divisions (sectionalism) and conflict. It took the American Civil War to finally settle many of these issues.
Introduction: Even while it was being written, different groups developed strong points-of-view of how the Constitution should be interpreted and applied. These different perspectives would eventually lead to the first political parties in the United States. Central to each party’s position were ideas of freedom and the nature of the government’s power and authority. Eventually, differing opinions on these topics would result in significant regional divisions (sectionalism) and conflict. It took the American Civil War to finally settle many of these issues.
Jeffersonian Democratic-Republicans
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Hamiltonian Federalists
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Early Nation Building of the United States: establish a Nation-State with republican and federalist form of government; define the new nation and culture of ‘America’
It was not for certain if the Early American Republic would survive.
I. Differing Interpretations of the Constitution: the Rise of Political Parties
A. The Jeffersonian Democrats
1. States-rights (strict interpretation of the Constitution; any issue or power that is not outlined, should fall to the states) and Decentralized (power is not allowed to become concentrated too much in one place)
2. Liberal [limited government; protection of liberty; laissez faire (let it be) economics]
B. The Hamiltonian Federalists
1. Nationalists (loose interpretation of the Constitution; new government should exercise its authority to the greatest extent possible) and Centralized (power is maintained in one area)
2. Conservative (societies are naturally structured around hierarchies and institutions; societies evolve slowly over time; therefore, rapid change could be harmful to the natural order)
-- Trait Character
-- Stances on Issues
Compare and Contrast Rubric
Responses by Parties to the following Political Issues: Taxation (Shay’s Rebellion, Whisky Rebellion), Bank of the United States (BUS)
It was not for certain if the Early American Republic would survive.
I. Differing Interpretations of the Constitution: the Rise of Political Parties
A. The Jeffersonian Democrats
1. States-rights (strict interpretation of the Constitution; any issue or power that is not outlined, should fall to the states) and Decentralized (power is not allowed to become concentrated too much in one place)
2. Liberal [limited government; protection of liberty; laissez faire (let it be) economics]
B. The Hamiltonian Federalists
1. Nationalists (loose interpretation of the Constitution; new government should exercise its authority to the greatest extent possible) and Centralized (power is maintained in one area)
2. Conservative (societies are naturally structured around hierarchies and institutions; societies evolve slowly over time; therefore, rapid change could be harmful to the natural order)
-- Trait Character
-- Stances on Issues
Compare and Contrast Rubric
Responses by Parties to the following Political Issues: Taxation (Shay’s Rebellion, Whisky Rebellion), Bank of the United States (BUS)
Issues Facing the Early Republic
A. Internal
1. Creating Political Stability
2. Developing New Industries
3. Creating a New Body of Arts and Letters
B. External
1. National Security: Defense
2. Economic Expansion: Participating in International Economic Markets
3. Incorporating New Territories and Settling the Wilderness
4. Ideological: Promoting the Concept of Liberty around the World
Activity
1. Creating Political Stability
2. Developing New Industries
3. Creating a New Body of Arts and Letters
B. External
1. National Security: Defense
2. Economic Expansion: Participating in International Economic Markets
3. Incorporating New Territories and Settling the Wilderness
4. Ideological: Promoting the Concept of Liberty around the World
Activity