Ink Dried on the U.S. Constitution, Political

¶ … ink dried on the U.S. Constitution, political parties began emerging in the United States. Despite the adamant argument of early party members that they were against such parties becoming commonplace in American politics, the division amongst those in power became clear almost immediately after the Constitution was drafted in the late eighteenth century. The differences in opinion between the two parties in the U.S. government helped maintain a sense of "check and balances" for every politician, as well as each party itself. Between 1790 and 1814, there were several opportunities for the different factions to compete for the loyalty of the American citizens, all which helped shaped our political system today.

The Federalist Party was one of the first two parties to arise after the Constitution. The Federalist faction was founded primarily by the Secretary of the Treasury, Alexander Hamilton and by Vice President, John Adams. (Burke) The Federalists desired for the government to have a very active role, along with a National Treasury that would play a strong role in the national economy. The Federalists were also pro-Britain regarding foreign policy, which was a popular viewpoint with most citizens in the New England area. The Federalists also had strong support from the businessmen of America, like the manufacturers, and merchants.

Their opposition was called the Republican Party, or the Democratic-Republican Party. Thomas Jefferson, who was the Secretary of State at that time; along with James Madison were the central figures associated with the faction. (Burke) Both Madison and Jefferson felt strongly about limiting the powers of the federal government, as well as limiting the role that the government could play in the overall economy of the nation. In contrast to the Federalists, the Republicans supported a pro-French foreign policy. (Burke) The supporters of the Republicans included poorer citizens, like farmers who found themselves drowning in debt. Southerners also agreed with the Republican platform, as well as skilled artisans.

The Whiskey Rebellion was one of the first national arguments that erupted between the Federalists and Republicans. It occurred in 1794, three years after the Federalist Party pushed an excise tax on whiskey to be approved. The heavy tax hit farmers the hardest, with the largest group of farmers being in western Pennsylvania. At that time, Pennsylvania was the largest producer of whiskey. (Encarta)

The grain farmers felt personally attacked, because their whiskey was the source for most of their income. Many farmers gathered in meetings, and eventually planned resistance to the tax, including tarring and feathering tax collectors (modern day I.R.S.).

Despite the fact that many politicians in power had not supported the tax, the U.S. Government reacted in swift, organized fashion, proving that despite the two-party competition, the government itself was united. Almost immediately following the first signs of resistance, warrants were out for the arrest of noncompliant distillers by the spring of 1974. (Encarta) Following the arrests, a riot ensued, in which a federal officer was killed, and the house of the regional inspector was burned. (Encarta)

By August 1974, the President himself had seen enough. George Washington ordered the governors of Maryland, Virginia, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey to ready the military, who were then dispersed in October. While making their way into the western counties of Pennsylvania, the militia met very little opposition. They made a few arrests, but most offenders were released for a lack of evidence. Washington himself later pardoned the two farmers who were convicted of treason. (Encarta)