Federalists and Democratic Republicans
The framers of the United States Constitution did not want political parties to form in the nation’s new
system of government. They feared that these groups would divide the country into competing factions.
However, disagreements over the strength and responsibilities of the federal government, as well as
conflicts over foreign policy issues, eventually led to the formation of two major political parties, the
Federalists and the Democratic Republicans. One of the subjects on which the parties disagreed was the
relationship of the United States with Britain.
As you read the two passages, consider the reasons the nation’s leadership may have held different
opinions of Great Britain. Complete the questions that follow in the spaces provided.
“. . . the cutting off of intercourse [communication] with Great Britain. . . deprives us of . . . a supply
necessary to us in peace and more necessary to us if we are to go to war. It gives a sudden and violent
blow to our revenue which cannot easily be repaired from other sources. It will give so great an
interruption to commerce as may very possible interfere with the payment of duties which have
heretofore accrued and bring the Treasury to an absolute stoppage of payment. . . “
Alexander Hamilton, Letter to George Washington, April 1794
“The conclusion with me, is, that Great Britain, above all other nations, ought to be dreaded and
watched, as most likely to gain an undue and pernicious [destructive] ascendancy [dominance] in our
country.
The United States are the greatest and best market for her manufacturers. To keep out those of other
nations, and to keep down those of our own, is the grand object to which her efforts have ever been
directed.
To conclude: Great Britain feels every motive that a foreign power can feel to pinch our growth, and
undermine our government; and enjoys greater means of influence for these purposes than ever
possessed by one nation toward another.”
James Madison in the Aurora General Advertiser, January 1799
1. According to Alexander Hamilton, why should the United States continue to trade with Great
Britain?
2. According to James Madison, why should the United States be wary of Great Britain?
3. Why do you think Hamilton and Madison might have held such differing views on relations with
Britain?