d) Formation of political parties

The Federalist Era in U.S. history is characterized by the formation of political parties. This period saw the emergence of the Federalist Party, led by Alexander Hamilton, and the Democratic-Republican Party, led by Thomas Jefferson and James Madison. The differing visions of these parties regarding the size and role of the federal government, economic policies, and foreign relations laid the foundation for the American two-party system. The Federalist Era was crucial in shaping the early political landscape of the United States and establishing enduring political ideologies.