Did you know that the first political party in the United States was the Federalist Party? Founded by Alexander Hamilton in 1789, the Federalists supported a strong central government and were in favor of a national bank. The Democratic-Republican Party, founded by Thomas Jefferson and James Madison, emerged in opposition to the Federalists. They believed in a decentralized government and strict interpretation of the Constitution. The Whig Party, formed in the 1830s, was a major rival to the Democratic Party. The Whigs supported industrialization, infrastructure development, and federal funding for internal improvements. The Republican Party, established in 1854, was formed in opposition to the expansion of slavery. Its first successful presidential candidate was Abraham Lincoln in 1860. The Democratic Party, one of the oldest political parties in the world, was founded by Thomas Jefferson in 1792. It has traditionally supported states' rights and a mixed economy. These historical political parties have played significant roles in shaping the political landscape of the United States. Each party had unique ideologies and policies that continue to influence American politics to this day.