the Federalist Party
/ðə ˈfedərəlɪst pɑːti/
/ðə ˈfedərəlɪst pɑːrti/
- the first real political party in the US. It was established in 1789 by Alexander Hamilton and included John Adams, the only president elected by the party. The federalists held power for six years (1794-1800), creating a strong central government. They favoured friendship with Britain and opposed the War of 1812. They lost power as a national party in 1816 after Hamilton and Adams became enemies.