Indiana Social Studies 5.H.16
The Standard
Explain why the first American political parties developed, and analyze the impact political parties had on early presidential elections.
2026 Indiana Academic Standards: K-12 Social Studies
Teacher's field guide
What This Standard Means
What Students Need to Do
- Students explain how disagreements about federal power and the national bank led early leaders to form two parties. They describe how parties shaped the presidential elections of 1796 and 1800.
What Mastery Looks Like
- A student can link support for a national bank to the Federalists and opposition to the Democratic-Republicans. They can explain why rival-party leaders became president and vice president in 1796, and why a tie sent the 1800 election to the House.
Common Misconceptions
- Some students think the Constitution created the first parties. Others confuse the Democratic-Republicans with today's Democratic and Republican parties. Many assume Adams chose Jefferson as his vice president.
How to Assess It
- Give an exit ticket: “Hamilton supported a national bank, but Jefferson opposed it. Why did their followers form rival parties, and how did those parties affect the 1796 election?”
Lesson moves
Ways to Teach It
Have pairs sort paper cards labeled national bank, strong federal government, state power, and farm interests into Federalist and Democratic-Republican piles.
Ask students to write: “Would you support a national bank if you wanted states to hold more power? Why?”
Give pairs cards showing Adams with 71 electoral votes and Jefferson with 68; have them assign offices using the 1796 runner-up rule.
Have students draft flyers for two competing recess plans, then explain how organized supporters could influence a class vote.
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