Political Parties Dbq Essay

834 Words2 Pages

As of 2017, it seems that our beloved nation is more divided than ever. Near-opposite political parties have turned our country against each other while developing more idealistic, extreme views on how to run this country. These opposing political parties dates back to our founding fathers, who created these political parties in benefit of our country. However, the parties only created division and competition, resulting in worse than good. The earliest forms of political division date back to 1787, when political parties began to form over the struggle for the ratification of the constitution. Friction increased between them as the creation of the new national government raised the question of how strong it would be. The Federalists, led …show more content…

For example, when talking about parties in 1797, he explains, "I fear this [political difference] is inseparable from the individual differences of the human mind and that degree of freedom which allows unlimited expression," (document 3). This means that if we did not have political parties and difference, which would naturally caused by the diversity of humans' minds, then we would be denying the people's individual rights and freedom to express themselves. Furthermore reasoning, he states, "Political arguments are surely a lesser evil than the lack of thought found under tyranny," (document 3). Here, he acknowledges that political parties can cause rivalry, but indicates that this rivalry in the government can act as a check and balance system to make sure no party take over and become tyranny. He also means that the division and hatred created by diversity of thought is less evil than how tyranny can brainwash you into a zombie. As can be seen, granting that many believe otherwise, Jefferson supported political parties because he believed they were protected by the Bill of Rights and prevented the wickedness and indoctrination of …show more content…

One way parties hurt our government is they often cause division between American society and government officials. As explained in document 6, "Political parties led more to just debate and competition. At times people grew to mistrust and even hate each other due to political difference." In our country, hatred and mistrust due to political difference had consequentially affected our history. The most notable example of this was the death of Alexander Hamilton. On account of distrust and animosity between political parties, Hamilton became bitter rivals with Anti-Federalist Aaron Burr. The two grew to abhor each other to the point where they agreed to a gun duel to the death. Hamilton was shot, received a mortal wound, and then died the next afternoon. Undeniably, political division can not only cause arguments, but divide communities and ruin families, and even in some cases, cause

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