Why did political tension increase after the election of 1796

Jefferson law support from farmers and abandoned his ideals

The elected president, vice president war from opposing parties

Adam was outraged that he did not get to choose his vice president

Hamilton sided with Jefferson over foreign policy issues

and became a vocal critic of Adams' administration. This further deepened the political divide and increased tension between parties. Additionally, the election of 1796 was the first contested presidential election in which the two leading candidates represented different political parties. This heightened the sense of rivalry and animosity between the Federalists and the Democratic-Republicans, contributing to the increase in political tension.