How did the election of 1796 increase political tensions ? point ) After the Revolution , women demanded an equal voice and vote in politics President John Adams and Vice President Thomas Jefferson belonged to different political parties and did not agree on government Northerners were unhappy that Southerners , who counted enslaved people as part of the population , had so much more representation in Gongress Farmers and shopkeepers were angry that the wealthy elite controlled the major leadership of the government

The election of 1796 increased political tensions in several ways:

1. Divisions between political parties: The election witnessed the emergence of the first two political parties in the United States – the Federalist Party, led by President John Adams, and the Democratic-Republican Party, led by Vice President Thomas Jefferson. The two politicians held differing views on the role of government and often clashed on important policy matters, leading to increased polarization and tension within the country.

2. Geographic disparities: The election highlighted the disparities between the North and the South. Northern states, mainly comprised of farmers and shopkeepers, were dissatisfied with the Southern states' practice of counting enslaved people as part of their population. This led to the North feeling underrepresented in Congress compared to the South, exacerbating tensions and further dividing the nation along regional lines.

3. Power struggles between classes: The election also brought attention to the dominance of wealthy elites in the government. Farmers and shopkeepers, who made up a significant portion of the population, felt marginalized by the wealthy elite, who were seen as controlling the major leadership positions in the government. This power imbalance fueled resentment and added to the political tensions of the time.

Overall, the election of 1796 intensified political tensions due to the emergence of political parties, geographic disparities, and class struggles, all of which contributed to a divisive and contentious political climate.