How did the election of 1796 increased political tension after the revolution women demanded an equal voice and vote in politics, President, John Adams, and vice president Thomas Jefferson, belong to different political parties, and did not agree on government policy, northern were unhappy, that southern who counted enslaved people as part of the population, had so much more representation in Congress, or farmers and shopkeepers, were angry, that the wealthy elite controlled the major leadership of the government

1 answer

The election of 1796 increased political tension in several ways:

1. Demand for women's suffrage: Following the American Revolution, women began demanding equal rights and representation in politics. However, the election of 1796 did not address these demands, further increasing tension among women who felt excluded from the political process.

2. Political party divisions: The election introduced a new dynamic with President John Adams and Vice President Thomas Jefferson belonging to different political parties. Adams was a Federalist, while Jefferson was a Democratic-Republican. Their differing views on government policy and conflicting party ideologies led to increased political tension and partisan rivalries.

3. Regional disparities: There was growing dissatisfaction among northerners due to the disproportionate representation in Congress. Southern states, who counted enslaved individuals as part of their population, had more representation in Congress compared to northern states. This disparity led to resentment and increased tensions between the North and the South.

4. Opposition to elite control: Farmers and shopkeepers, who made up a significant majority of the population, felt frustrated and angry at the wealthy elite's dominance in government leadership. The perception that the government was being controlled by a small group of wealthy individuals further escalated political tensions.

Overall, the election of 1796 increased political tension by failing to address the demands for women's suffrage, highlighting stark political party divisions, exacerbating regional disparities, and fueling discontent among the majority who felt underrepresented in government affairs.