Federalists and the Democratic-Republicans
             The great country of the United States did not just appear over night. Many hours, days, and years of study and decisions have taken place to bring these country were it is today. Difference had to be settled, and dents worked out of the governmental plans. Many people's minds and opinions have changed over time and we have not always agreed upon everything. But despite these problems we have managed to prosper. Before our present day form of government with the two parties, Democrats and Republicans, two other parties, the Federalists and the Democratic-Republicans, were running their courses.
             The Federalists were a group of well-educated upper class men who were lead by Alexander Hamilton and John Adams. Located mainly in the east, this group of men was strongly supported by wealthy merchants and bankers. They did not trust the common people and believed that only the well educated and rich should hold positions within the government. They believed in the creation o f a central bank and the creation and support of a standing army. They were convinced that the funding of the old Revolutionary War debts should become the debt of all states. Because they were merchants and bankers they believed that the future of America lay within manufacturing. The Federalists did not feel threatened by the continued British pressure in the northwestern parts and there for they were pro-British. They were strong supporters of the Jay Treaty of 1794, which would terminate the difficulties with Britain and its navy. Their belief was that negotiation was the way to settle disputes, but despite this they supported the Alien Act of 1798 that allowed the President to deport any immigrant that posed a threat to the government. They wanted to use this law to get rid of republican newspaper editors who were printing papers that were discrediting them. The Federalists were extremely afraid of the Repu...