The Age of Federalism: 1790-1800

The Age of Federalism (1790-1800)

The Age of Federalism, spanning from 1790 to 1800, represents a critical period in the early American Republic (1788-1800). This era, as examined by Stanley Elkins & Eric McKitrick, is marked by nuanced tensions and paradoxes, shaping a complex Federalist legacy. The traditional narrative often overlooks crucial questions about the viability of a large republic, the rights of particular sections when their interests are jeopardized, and the functioning of a republic without political parties.

Key Questions and Contradictions

  • Could a republic as large as the United States be governed democratically, coherently, and legitimately?

  • What recourse did particular sections have when national policy jeopardized their vital interests, such as their economic livelihoods, or vital issues such as war and peace?

  • How would a republic designed to function without political parties endure with the rapid development of well-organized & sophisticated political parties?

These contradictions and oversights pushed the nation to a breaking point during these formative years.

Federalist Ideology

The Federalists aimed to conclude the Revolution and initiate normal politics, charting a course between British monarchic tyranny and French republican despotism.

Hamilton's Program and the First Party System

Alexander Hamilton's program was a catalyst for the first party system, pitting the Federalists against the Jeffersonians. This era saw the emergence of factions and parties, with Hamilton leading the Federalists and Jefferson leading the Republicans.

Jeffersonians vs. Hamiltonians: Republicans vs. Federalists

The First Party System (c.1790 to c.1816) was characterized by fundamental differences between the Federalist and Republican parties:

Federalist Party:

  • Loose Construction of the Constitution

  • Favored National Bank

  • Supported Tariffs and excise taxes

  • Urban-based, primarily in the Northern regions

  • Advocated for a Centralized Government

  • Focused on Development and Manufacturing

  • Pro-British, Anti-French

  • Key Figures: George Washington (VA), John Adams (MA), Alexander Hamilton (NY)

Republicans:

  • Strict Construction of the Constitution

  • Opposed National Bank

  • Opposed Tariffs and excise taxes

  • Rural-based, primarily in the Southern regions

  • Advocated for a De-centralized Government

  • Focused on Agricultural

  • Pro-French, Anti-British

  • Key Figures: Thomas Jefferson (Virginia), James Madison (Virginia), Aaron Burr (New York)

Federalists vs. Democratic-Republicans

Federalists

  • Believed in a nationalistic government with central power.

  • Supported a loose interpretation of the Constitution to achieve their goals.

  • Accepted the new federal Constitution.

  • Favored close ties with Britain and an elite ruling class mimicking Britain's government.

  • Supported Hamilton's national bank and assumption policies, viewing debt as beneficial for increasing interest from creditor nations.

  • Consisted mainly of urban bankers and businessmen supporting Hamilton's economic policies; largely the wealthy upper class.

Democratic-Republicans

  • Believed in limited government and individual states' rights.

  • Supported a strict interpretation of the Constitution, questioning the constitutionality of almost everything.

  • Resisted the adoption of the new federal Constitution.

  • Disliked close ties with Britain, viewing them as a