The first two political parties, the Federalists and the Democratic-Republicans, formed due to differing views on the role of government and interpretation of the Constitution. The Federalists, led by Alexander Hamilton, believed in a strong central government and an economy based on industry and finance. The Democratic-Republicans, led by Thomas Jefferson, believed in states' rights, agrarianism, and a strict interpretation of the Constitution. These ideological differences led to the formation of the two parties as they sought to gain political power and influence in the newly formed United States.
