As a result of differences in opinions, two political parties emerged with the formation of the new American government.  The two parties were the Federalist and the Democratic-Republicans (also called the Republican Party or the Anti-Federalist Party).  A political party is an organization made up of a group of individuals who have similar ideas on public issues and who work to put these ideas into effect.

In a chart like the one below list the differences between these two Parties – what did each party stand for?  Click for a printer-friendly version of the chart.

In a chart like the one below, place these individuals in their appropriate party.
Click here for printer-friendly version of the chart.

Who was the leader of the Federalist party?

Who was the leader of the Democratic-Republican party?

Assign students to research the individuals above.  Students should write a short biographical sketch on their assigned individual and present an oral report to the class.  Be sure to locate and show to the class an image of each individual.

Thomas Jefferson called the Federalists “prigarchy”.  Click here to listen to his comment on “prigarchy”.   What did Jefferson do to end “prigarchy in his first term as President?

Would you have been a Federalist or a Democratic Republican in 1804?  Explain your answer.

Create a political party: 

•     Name your party
•     Establish a mission statement – what your party stands for
•     Create a symbol to represent your party
•     Make up a slogan
•     Design a banner for your party
•     Produce a flyer or poster promoting your party
•     Pick a theme song/music for your party
•     Write and present to the class a party campaign speech