How did the election of 1796 increase political tensions?

Question

Farmers and shopkeepers were angry

Answer 1

because they believed that the government was favoring wealthy elites and neglecting their needs. The election of 1796 further escalated these tensions because it was the first time in American history that political parties played a significant role. The Federalist Party, led by John Adams, and the Democratic-Republican Party, led by Thomas Jefferson, both vied for the presidency. This led to intense campaigning and partisan divisions, with each party accusing the other of corruption and being unfit for office. Additionally, the election revealed deep regional divisions, with Adams winning the presidency but Jefferson, who was from the Southern states, becoming his Vice President. This further heightened tensions between the North and the South, as both feared the other's influence in national politics. Overall, the election of 1796 increased political tensions by intensifying partisan divisions, revealing regional conflicts, and heightening the sense of discontent among farmers and shopkeepers who felt neglected by the government.