How did the political parties affect the results of the election of 1796

The United States Presidential election of 1796 showed the appearance of the political party system in the United States. In the antecedent presidential elections (1789 and 1792) George Washington prevailed with a solid and united support with no political party affiliation, but during the time of his administration, a powerful political separation was created around the economic policies of Alexander Hamilton. Hamilton supported a free interpretation of the United States Constitution and a strong central government, he formed the Federalist Party in 1791, with some others who supported his views. Their adversaries, supported, on the other hand, a strict interpretation of the United States Constitution and state's rights as well; they all regroup around Thomas Jefferson, whom formed its own political party known as the Democratic-Republican party.

In 1796 there was not an explicit system for nominating partisan candidates. The Democratic - Republicans chose Jefferson as their representative, and the Federalists designated Vice President John Adams. Neither party was capable of deciding on a vice presidential candidate. At the time, the United States Constitution stated that the candidate with the second highest total votes would become Vice President.

The result of this elections was a tight victory for Adams, who obtained 71 electoral votes, to Jefferson, who obtained 68 electoral votes. Under the actual electoral system conceived in 1796 under the United States Constitution, Jefferson became Adams' Vice president; a circumstance that manifest difficulties for the Adams government due to the political parties' conflicts and differences.