Jiaying Wei Opposition Party

The role of opposition party is to question and keep in check the party in power. George Washington and John Adams were both federalists controlling the presidency from 1789-1801. Jefferson a Democratic-Republican was able to take the presidency after a close election against John Adams and served from 1801-1809. The DemocraticRepublicans were the superior opposing party due to their constant criticism of the Federalists, their ability to rally popular support as well as their inability to properly stick to their guns when they finally became the party in power.

The Federalists were plagued by many problems, one of which was trying to avoid European foreign affairs. A large scale war between the British and French was occurring overseas and the British noting the Franco-American alliance decided to seize American merchant ships. Washington, in order to avoid war, sent John Jay to negotiate a treaty with the British which became known as Jays Treaty. Jays Treaty created immense popular discontent, although it kept us out of war temporarily, the Treaty agreed that all debts to British entrepreneurs would be returned. This severely harmed the poor Jeffersonian Debtors. The Democratic-Republicans, who were friendly with the French, were angry and severely criticized the Federalists decision. Through both criticisms and necessity the Federalists eventually had to compromise with the French leading to the XYZ affair. The Alien Act and the Sedation Act are two other unpopular Federalist actions, the two acts were clearly unconstitutional, having the ability to deport, detain

aliens as well as jail the press for writing anti-government articles. The DemocraticRepublicans enraged by this act decided to write up the Kentucky and Virginia resolutions which gave the state the power to nullify unconstitutional laws, thus keeping the Federalists in check. Although the resolutions didnt really work out, the DemocraticRepublicans were able to successfully run for presidency on a platform against these two laws. The Federalists in contrast didn't really need to work to push their ideals because during Jefferson's term, he practically gave them what they wanted without even needing to ask, making them the poorer opposing party.

The ultimate goal of the opposing party is to rally enough public support in order to become the party in power during the next election. By protesting against the unpopular Excise Tax, the Democratic-Republicans were able to gain the votes of poorer farming people in the backcountries. By running on popular platforms and constant criticism of Federalist policies Thomas Jefferson was able to win the Presidency by a small margin of electoral votes. With their superior organization skills, they were able to win over the state of New York after Aaron Burr swept popular support for the Democratic-Republicans using persuasive speeches and effective politicking. The Democratic-Republicans showed their effectiveness as the opposing party by rallying against the Federalists and taking the Presidency. On the other hand because the Federalists were worse at rallying the people, they lost the presidency to the Democratic Republicans.

However as the party in power the Democratic-Republicans did much worse. Jefferson throughout his service constantly went against Democratic-Republican ideals and compromised a lot. The Louisiana Purchase was one that went against Jeffersons strict constructionist views, since in no where did the Constitution give the president power to purchase land. Although it was a smart decision it supported the Federalists cause by creating a need to strengthen central government. At one point Jefferson even contemplated allying American to fight the French, who Democratic Republicans looked up to, in order to take controls of New Orleans. The Bank of the United States remained even after the Democratic Republicans, who greatly disliked it, took office. Because the Democratic Republicans were unable to stay true to their ideals, it makes them a wishywashy party in power, showing that they were much more suited to being the opposing party.

So, during the period of 1789 to 1809 the Democratic Republicans demonstrated their unmatched ability at foiling Federalist plans. By criticizing the Federalists, effective public rallying and failing to stick to their guns, Democratic Republicans were not only the better opposing party, but also more suited as the opposing party.