During the years of 1801-1817 two separate parties had formed, the Jeffersonian Republicans (Democrats) and the Federalists, which feuded bitterly in the political world. During Jefferson’s presidency the Democratic party remained firm in their beliefs, but began to slightly conformed to the Federalists during Madison’s presidency; likewise, Federalists stubbornly held onto their views, but compromised to the stricter views of Democrats when Jefferson was in power.
Jefferson became president in 1801 and began the reign of strictness of the Democratic party, forcing Federalists to conform to their stringent views. Jefferson had made attempts to unify with the Federalists stating: “We are all republicans” in order to strengthen the unity of the country
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Jefferson emphasised unity when he said “Our country can never be harmonious and solid while so respectable a portion of its citizens support principles [that] go directly to a change of federal constitution…”(Doc A). Jefferson displays his desire of unity throughout the country and hints that although he is stubborn in his beliefs, he would encourage the change of the Federalist party in order to bring together the country. Jefferson’s open dialogue with the Federalist party led to certain ‘Anti-Federalist’ laws and bills pass through Congress, though he was still viewed as stiff-necked, as depicted in Document C. The cartoon portrays Jefferson as a man who has a snapping turtle bite those who don't obey the Embargo Act, and although they passed the Embargo Act through Congress, Jefferson gained no respect except from his own party. The Democratic Party continued to place an emphasis on state government compared to national, being firm and