Discovering Our Past: The American Journey to World War I

"First Political Parties"

Introduction
In this chapter you read about the early years of the United States. Although President George Washington warned of the dangers of political parties in his Farewell Address, many Americans had already chosen sides. In this activity you will review the histories of the first two American political parties—the Federalists and the Democratic-Republicans.

Destination Title: Ohio History Central

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Directions
Start at the Federalist Party web page.

• Read about the Federalist Party.
• Next, click on Democratic-Republican Party in the menu on the right of the screen.
• Read about the Democratic-Republican Party.

1			What were the basic beliefs of the Federalist Party?
2			Who did Hamilton and the Federalist Party want to model themselves after?
3			Summarize the differences between the Democratic-Republican Party and the Federalist Party.
4			Who did Jefferson and the Democratic-Republican’s want to model themselves after?
5			Imagine that you are a member of either the Federalist or Democratic-Republican Party. Create a one-page flyer that could have been distributed to influence people to join your party. Detail your party's major beliefs and important members. Remember that the flyer should be designed to influence people—why should they join your party instead of the opposing party? Conduct additional research if necessary.