The political tensions surrounding the election of 1796 were primarily due to the fact that the elected president and vice president came from opposing parties. John Adams, a Federalist, was elected president, while Thomas Jefferson, a Democratic-Republican, became vice president. This situation created significant friction within the executive branch, as the two leaders had fundamentally different visions for the direction of the country.
Additionally, divisions were exacerbated by the competing interests and ideologies of the two parties, particularly regarding issues like foreign policy and the role of government. Hamilton's influence also played a role, as his alignment with certain interests and conflicts with Jefferson further intensified the discord between the parties.
Overall, the election of 1796 marked a significant point in American political history, highlighting the growing partisan divide and setting the stage for future political conflicts.