Most of the older leaders of the Revolutionary Era were shocked by this new phenomenon. The value of political parties was seen by Madison but he believed this would only be temporary and used for specific elections that were controversial. The new conditions that were created were not understood by the older leaders. In America's new political system the voters would belong to a political party and usually vote for that party's candidate. The first elections where the modern political practice was used was held in 1796.
The new party's chose names they felt reflected their most cherished values. One party called themselves the …show more content…
The Federalists considered themselves as the “friends of order” and good government. They considered the Democratic-Republicans as radicals who were dangerous and would bring the anarchy of the French Revolution to America.
The Federalists policies were hated by the Democratic-Republicans. A New York newspaperman said the Federalists were aristocrats trying to lay down a foundation for a monarchical government. The Democratic-Republicans believed they were the only supporters of independence, friends to equal rights, and advocates of a free elective government. The Federalist and Democratic-Republicans were very hostile toward each other. There was very little room for compromise.
The presidential election showed the parties were well balanced. The southern states favored Jefferson and Adams was favored by New England. The Mid-Atlantic states had well-organized parties. Adams won the electoral college vote with 71 and Jefferson had 69. It was set up in the Constitution that the runner up would be vice-president.
After a very brutal campaign, John Adams became president in a very close race. Thomas Jefferson became