At first the natural divisions consisted of the Federalists, who believed in adopting the Constitution, and those who did not.

As soon as the thirteen States voted to accept the Constitution, the Anti-Federalists had no definite motive for existing.

Their place was taken principally by the Republicans over against whom were the Democrats.

A few years later these parties exchanged names.

A fundamental difference in the ideas of the Americans sprang from their views in regard to National and State rights.