Curated OER
The First American Party System: Federalists and Democratic-Republicans: The Platforms They Never Had
Young scholars investigate the beginnings of the political party system in the US. They determine the key positions of both the Federalists and the Democratic-Republicans. They compare the views of the early political parties with those...
Curated OER
The First American Party System: A Documentary Timeline of Important Events (1787-1800)
High schoolers conduct research on the events of the end of the 18th century in order to identify critical factors leading to the development of the Federalist and Democratic-Republican political parties. They summarize the key positions...
US National Archives
Our Documents: The Alien and Sedition Acts (1798)
The Alien and Sedition Acts were passed by Congress in 1798 because of feared war with France. This engaging page gives you the opportunity to see a complete copy of the original document and also gives links to a typed transcript,...
PBS
Pbs News Hour: Thomas Jefferson the Revolution of 1800
This is a teacher site, with lesson objectives and plans, but it contains very good information and ideas to stimulate thought and understanding. It explains the technicalities of the election of 1800 and the peaceful transfer of power...
University of Virginia
Miller Center at Uva: u.s. Presidents: John Adams
A great in-depth biography of John Adams. Topics include: his life before the presidency, campaigns and elections, domestic affairs, foreign affairs, and life after the presidency. Links to the first lady, his Cabinet members, and Staff...
University of Virginia
Miller Center at Uva: u.s. Presidents: Martin Van Buren
Get the facts about the life and administraton of Martin Van Buren (1782-1862), the 8th President of the United States (1837-1841).
University of Virginia
Miller Center at Uva: u.s. Presidents: John Adams: A Life in Brief
A good look at John Adams as president and the struggles he had both domestically and in foreign affairs. Read about how he kept America out of war and his political isolation because of his hard-held beliefs.
University of Virginia
Miller Center at Uva: u.s. Presidents: James Monroe: Campaigns and Elections
An interesting look at the elections of 1816 and 1820 in which James Monroe ran essentially unopposed by the Federalists.
Digital History
Digital History: The Election of 1800 [Pdf]
Perhaps the most important election in United States history, the election of 1800 pitted John Adams against Thomas Jefferson. Read about their differences and the differences in the political parties that supported them. [pdf]
National Endowment for the Humanities
Neh: Edsit Ement: The First American Party System: Events, Issues, and Positions
In this Curriculum Unit, students will consider "The First American Party System: Events, Issues, and Positions" in 3 Lessons. The unit also includes worksheets and other student materials that can be found under the resource tab.
Digital History
Digital History: The Revolution of 1800
The election of 1800 was a revolution in a peaceful sense. Read about the election, how Thomas Jefferson became president, and the resulting 12th Amendment.
Ibis Communications
Eye Witness to History: Washington d.c. 1800
This article offers personal accounts from Abigail Adams regarding her journey and arrival in the new national capital.
University of Virginia
Miller Center at Uva: u.s. Presidents: James Madison
The Rector and Visitors of the University of Virginia provides an extensive biography on the life of James Madison. Provides information about his life before and after the presidency as well as his policies on foreign and domestic...
Independence Hall Association
U.s. History: The 1824 Election and the "Corrupt Bargain"
The two-party system in presidential elections fell apart in the election of 1824. See what happened when five men, all from the Democratic-Republican Party, ran against each other. Find out why the choice of John Quincy Adams was called...
Independence Hall Association
U.s. History: The Era of Good Feelings and the Two Party System
The Era of Good Feelings lasted about a decade, spanning the administration of James Monroe. Read about the policies followed during his administration, and find out why, after the demise of the Federalist Party, there arose another...
Independence Hall Association
U.s. History: Gabriel's Rebellion: Another View of Virginia
Gabriel Prosser, a skilled slave, planned a revolt as a way to carry out the ideals of the American Revolution and give freedom to slaves. Read about what his vision was, what group of white men might be helpful to his cause, and what...
Independence Hall Association
U.s. History: The Election of 1800
The election of 1800 was momentous for many reasons. Read about the defeat of John Adams and his Federalist policies, and see how Thomas Jefferson became president because of a crucial vote by a Federalist.
Independence Hall Association
U.s. History: Jeffersonian America: A Second Revolution?
Read about the peaceful "revolution" that occurred in the election of 1800 when the party in power, the Federalists, was defeated in a democratic election by the Democratic-Republicans. See how this showed that the ideals of the new...
Independence Hall Association
U.s. History: Two Parties Emerge
Although George Washingon denounced the creation of political parties, they came roaring into play in the election of 1796 in which John Adams, representing the Federalists, ran against Thomas Jefferson, who represented the...
University of Virginia
Miller Center at Uva: u.s. Presidents: Thomas Jefferson: Domestic Affairs
Read about Thomas Jefferson's attempts to make a smaller bureaucracy and his problems with the federal courts.
PublicBookshelf Corporation
Our Country: Election of 1796
From the book "Our Country,", published in 1877, this site provides information of the Election of 1796. Electing a 2nd President of the United States was a huge political struggle, and these several paragraphs explains the struggle.
Khan Academy
Khan Academy: The Election of 1800
This Khan Academy resource provides and overview of the issues surrounding the Election of 1800.
Digital History
Digital History: The Birth of Political Parties
A brief look at the beginning of political parties in the new American nation. Find out the views of the two parties.
Digital History
Digital History: Election of 1796
The election of 1796, a test of the new government's transfer of power, was not without intrigue. Read a brief account of the election and its results.