The emergence of opposing political parties in the early United States was influenced primarily by the following choices:
a. Increase in the distribution of newspapers - The rise of newspapers facilitated the spread of political ideas and debate, contributing to the formation of political factions and parties.
b. Differences in opinion on how much power the federal government should have - This fundamental disagreement between federalists and anti-federalists led to the creation of political parties, with differing views on federal power and states' rights.
The other options, c and d, are less directly related to the formation of political parties in the early years of the U.S.:
c. Mounting pressure from Britain to further establish government - While relations with Britain did influence U.S. politics, it wasn't a primary driver for the formation of political parties.
d. Looming threat of war with Canada - While tensions with Canada existed, they did not significantly contribute to the foundational differences that led to the establishment of organized political parties.
In summary, the primary influences that led to the emergence of opposing political parties were a and b.