Slight Notice so far in this Work bestowed upon the Course of the Democratic Party, and Reasons therefor--Four great Crises in our National Affairs, viz.: The Revolution; the Confederation; the Struggle resulting in the Adoption of the Constitution, and Hamilton's Attempt to pave the way for its Overthrow--Equal Merit during the Revolution of those who afterwards formed the Federalist and Anti-Federalist Parties--Condition of the Country under the Confederation--During that Period and in the Struggle for the Constitution the Measures and Conduct of the Federalists Wiser than those of their Opponents--Culmination of the Contest of Principle between the two great Parties during the Administration of John Adams--The Object of this Work to give a general Account of the Origin and Organization of Parties, and not a History of Partisan Conflicts arising afterwards--Party Spirit, its Evils and Benefits--Randall's "Life of Jefferson"--Leadership of Hamilton and Jefferson--Their Character and Influence--Contrasts in their Careers, Principles, and Aims--John Adams's Political Principles--State of Parties in the time of Washington's Administration as described by John Q. Adams--Character of John Adams--His Services in the Revolution--Change in his Political Opinions from his Residence in England--Fidelity of Jefferson, Samuel Adams, and others to their Original Principles--Vigor and Efficiency of the Organization of the Old Republican Party--Firm Establishment of Popular Convictions against Monarchical Institutions--"Sapping and Mining Policy" of Hamilton--Growing Attachment of Republicans to the Constitution, and corresponding Dislike of that Instrument on the part of Federalists--Issue presented by Madison in the Legislature of Virginia--His Report a Synopsis of Republican Doctrines--Triumph and general Success of the Party--Lasting Effects of Hamilton's Teachings--Erroneous Theories of the Origin of Parties--Identity of the Anti-Federal, Republican, and Democratic Parties--Apparent Agreement of all Parties upon Fundamental Questions after the Ratification of the Constitution--Subsequent Controversy arose from the Efforts of the Federalists for a Latitudinarian, and of their Opponents for a Strict Construction of that Instrument.