Ratification of the Constitution (jan 1, 1788 – jan 1, 1800)

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Between 1788-1800, it can be said that the Federalist Party was the dominant party of the time. The election of 1788 was won by George Washington (a known Federalist sympathizer), the election of 1796 was won by an open Federalist, John Adams. The election of 1800, however, was won by the Anti-Federalists (later known as the Democratic-Republicans & then just the Democrats by 1828) through Thomas Jefferson's Defeat of John Adams. Therefore, Federalists won 1 (and kind of 2) of the 3 elections during this period. The Anti-Federalists would have to be considered the weaker party of the time. The major issues that were debated between these two political parties included:
1) Interpretation of the Constitution
2) Power of the Federal Government
3) The "common man" (supported by the Democratic-Republicans) vs. "the rich & well-born" (supported by the Federalists)

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