JOURNAL #5
The Federalists vs The Anti-Federalist

Founding Fathers in 1787 did not envision the existence of political parties because organized opposition seemed disloyal and against spirit of national unity. No national political party had ever existed in America before Washington's administration.

Factions had existed only over special issues - Federalists & Anti-federalists. But factions were not parties. Faction politics tend to be temporary. They are generally local, regional, or special interest oriented. Factional politics usually revolve around the personality of one or two important leaders. A faction forms around one or two issues, and then dissolves with the achievement of one or two political goals.