ABSTRACT
The common assumption in 1789 was that 'parties' and 'factions' - and the terms were often linked - were disruptive of national unity and good government. There had been a struggle over the Constitution and its ratification between Federalists and Antifederalists, but it was hoped that once a government under Washington began to function all good men would rally around the president to support republicanism. When new divisions arose in the course of the 1790s there was a tendency for each side in the argument to look upon the other not as a legitimate party, but rather as a disruptive, conspiring faction that endangered the republic. Politicians were apt to see the insidious influence of a corrupt England or the destructive radicalism of a revolutionary France as moving factors in the actions of those they opposed and distrusted. Politicians poured out invective against their opponents, brazenly used the press to further their political ends, and had not the slightest hesitation.in attacking the motivations of those with whom they disagreed. Antagonisms were increased because there were basic disagreements in foreign as well as domestic policy. In the course of the 1790s two widely divergent political programs emerged as to how the republic could best be preserved, and how its future power and prosperity could be assured.
