Two Party System

Discuss the formative period of the two party system Framers thoughts on “factions” political parties Constitution was an attempt to avoid factions president elected by the Electoral College, not the people. federal judges appointed for life not depend on party support for their offices House of Representatives popularly must run for reelection every two years. Senators six year terms more independent than the House. Senators chosen by the State Legislature until the passage of the 17th amendment in 1913 which The first national parties developed out of contests in Congress in the early 1790's over Hamilton's financial program. Madison and Jefferson first organized their opposition to Hamilton's program only in Congress and did not anticipate creating a permanent, popular party. Loose interpretation Strong Central Gov. Gov. for the rich by the rich New England & Atlantic Sea Coast Pro-British; anti-French Strict Interpretation Weak Fed. Gov. Gov. by the rich for the common man Strongest in the South and back country Pro-French; anti-British

Discuss the break-up of the Federalists Party and the Rise of the Dem-Rep by the election of 1800 Alien and Sedition Acts Aimed at the French and keeping them voting for D.R. Alien Citizenship from 5-14 years Sedition Acts foreigners deported critical of the President and Congress about 25 persons were arrested and 10 convicted Virginia and Kentucky Resolutions Jefferson and Madison States had fundamental rights Cons. exists as a compact between the Fed and State Governments States can nullify state fed law