Documents in this section address state and national elections and political organizing. Following independence, many Americans adopted differing views of the relationship between the federal government and the states, and of new economic and foreign policies. These spurred the growth of political parties, culminating in the tumultuous election of 1800 and the passage of the 12th Amendment to the Constitution.
Alexander Hamilton expresses support for the republican form of government and a desire to "give it fair course." He criticizes anyone who "by his writings disturbs the present order of things."
Jefferson opposes the fiscal policy of the Treasury Department in this milestone document in the history of the American party system showing the antagonism between Jefferson and Hamilton.
Writing as a private citizen, Jefferson expresses his criticism of the Federalist party The letter's subsequent unauthorized publication, often appearing out of context, haunts him for the rest of his life.
Remedying some of the issues experienced in the Election of 1800.
Jefferson learns of the electoral tie between him and fellow Republican candidate Aaron Burr The selection of the next president will be determined by vote in the House of Representatives.
Jefferson updates his friends in Virginia on the suspenseful electoral impasse after repeated balloting in the House of Representatives Not until the 36th ballot taken five days later did Jefferson know he had been selected the next president of the United States.
A long-time friend freely communicates her sentiments, offers her opinions on John Adams, and congratulates Jefferson on his election as president.
Jefferson expresses his political creed in this statement of republican principles with his unifying and conciliatory exhortation, "we are all republicans: we are all federalists."
Some Connecticut merchants challenge the removal of a Federalist collector at New Haven and the subsequent appointment of a Republican whom they deem inadequately qualified for the position They interpret Jefferson's inaugural address as implying presidential appointments would be merit-based without regard to party.
A Connecticut resident cautions Jefferson that both political parties expect to share in the plums of political appointment.