What characterized the First Party System in American politics?

The First Party System in American politics was primarily characterized by the conflict between the Federalists and the Democratic-Republicans. This system emerged in the late 18th century and persisted until about the 1820s. The Federalists, led by figures like Alexander Hamilton, promoted a strong central government, commercial interests, and a loose interpretation of the Constitution. In contrast, the Democratic-Republicans, led by Thomas Jefferson and James Madison, advocated for states' rights, agricultural interests, and a strict interpretation of the Constitution.

This ideological clash fundamentally shaped American political discourse and laid the groundwork for the nation's political landscape, leading to the establishment of a two-party system. The interactions and conflicts between these parties reflected the varying interests and visions for the country, allowing citizens to align with the party that best represented their views and policies.

During this period, there were not significant, organized movements like the Progressive movement, nor was there a flourishing of third parties, which characterized later periods in American political history. The nature of competition at this time was distinctly defined by the rivalry between Federalists and Democratic-Republicans, thus marking the importance of their conflict in the First Party System.