This document introduces an activity to simulate the formation of early American political parties. Students are assigned roles representing different social circles at the time. They then discuss their views and find like-minded individuals. Working in these groups, they complete a worksheet comparing Alexander Hamilton and Thomas Jefferson's views to decide which early political party, the Federalists or Democratic-Republicans, best fits their assigned community's needs and interests. The activity aims to evaluate George Washington's view that political factions could be detrimental to democracy.
4. Birth of Political Parties
AKA: Do you want to Party?
Purpose: To simulate the formation of early American political
parties in order to evaluate Washington’s assessment that
political faction was detrimental to democracy.
5. You have each been assigned
a role. Assume that role and
find like-minded individuals in
the classroom- these will be
your “friends.”
* If you are a banker find other
bankers
6. Introduce yourself to the other
members of your social circle.
Discuss what you have in common.
Discuss how you and your friends
feel about the new federal
government, the economy, slavery,
Taxes, etc.
(Record your ideas on the poster.)
7. Building Consensus:
Working in your group, complete the
Comparing Hamilton and Jefferson
worksheet
to
Decide which political party best fits
the needs of your community.
