A political party is a group of people who seek to win elections and hold public office in order to shape government policy and programs. George Washington warned America's people of the dangers of these separate parties in "The Farewell Address" an except is shown in Document 4. Washington opposed political parties because " 'It agitates the community with ill-founded jealousies and false alarms; kindles the animosity of one party against another; foments[stirs up]...riot and insurrection [rebellion]'". Political parties began to rise rapidly in the 1790's. Several issues being the cause.
             Alexander Hamilton, used the nations huge debts (owed to other countries and its own citizens) as an opportunity to push for the kind of national government that he wanted. He was a federalist, a supporter of strong national power, he had little faith in the people. He believed the constitution was not enough to preserve the new nation. After dealing with the south about his plan regarding the debts and assuming state debts, Hamilton created a tax on imported goods. A tax which Thomas Jefferson disagreed with. Document 3 is an excerpt from a letter written by Thomas Jefferson in December of 1794, speaking of Jefferson's perspective on this tax. He describes it as "infernal [hellish]" showing a deep disapproval. Many other Americans did not like Hamilton's plan because they did not want the federal government interfering with local and state affairs. This Federalist program suggested a return to monarchy. Jefferson began to obtain followers who agreed with his viewpoint, seeing Hamilton as a monarchist. Document 1 is an excerpt from a memo written by Thomas Jefferson, he says that Hamilton was "[in support] of a monarchy [based upon] corruption". This attempt to return to aristocracy was seen by many as an assault on the hard-won liberty of the American people.
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