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[[image:alexhamilton.jpg|thumb|The Federalist Party was founded by Treasury Secretary [[Alexander Hamilton]] in 1792.]]

[[image:alexhamilton.jpg|thumb|The Federalist Party was founded by Treasury Secretary [[Alexander Hamilton]] in 1791.]]

The '''Federalist Party''' was the first grass-roots political party in world history. It was founded by [[Alexander Hamilton]] in the early 1790s to rally national support for Hamilton's economic programs and creation of a strong national government. Notable spokesmen included [[John Jay]], [[John Adams]] and author [[Noah Webster]]. The party greatly admired [[George Washington]]; Washington was never a member but did endorse most of its policies. The Federalists were vigorously--and even viciously--opposed by the [[Republicans (Jeffersonian)|Republicans]], a rival party led by [[Thomas Jefferson]] and [[James Madison]]. The Federalists elected Adams in 1796, but were defeated in 1800 and subsequent elections. The Jeffersonians were better campaigners and more willing to listen to the voice of the people. Despite too-late efforts by younger Federalists, that party relied too much on eminent elderly elites who were reluctant to seek the views of the voters.

The '''Federalist Party''' was a U.S. political party founded in 1791 by Treasury Secretary [[Alexander Hamilton]]. It rallied support for the administration of George Washington and for various policies designed to promote a stronger national government. It was the world's first political party. Notable spokesmen included [[John Jay]], [[John Adams]] and author [[Noah Webster]]. Washington was never a member, but he did endorse most of its policies. The Federalists were opposed by the [[Republicans (Jeffersonian)|Republicans]], a rival party led by [[Thomas Jefferson]] and [[James Madison]]. The Federalists elected John Adams president in 1796, but he was defeated for reelection in 1800. The Jeffersonians were better campaigners and more willing to listen to the voice of the people. Despite too-late efforts by younger Federalists, that party relied too much on eminent elderly elites who were reluctant to seek the views of the voters.

==History==

==History==