Origins of Political Parties in the United States
Political Parties Were Not Part of the Original Design The United States Constitution does not establish political parties. Many of the people who wrote and ratified it distrusted organized factions and hoped that public officials would deliberate for the common good rather than obey permanent party organizations. George Washington’s Farewell Address warned that the “spirit of party” could divide the country, inflame hostility, and open the government to foreign influence.

