Which party dominated U.S. politics during the 1790s?

The Federalist Party dominated U.S. politics during the 1790s, largely due to the influence of key figures such as George Washington, Alexander Hamilton, and John Adams. The party emerged in the early years of the republic, advocating for a strong central government, a robust financial system, and close ties with Great Britain. Their policies, including the establishment of a national bank and the assumption of state debts by the federal government, garnered significant support among urban business interests and the professional classes who favored stability and order in the new nation.

The Federalists effectively shaped the political landscape of the 1790s through the creation of the first two-party system in the United States. While opposition to Federalist policies grew and led to the establishment of the Democratic-Republican Party, particularly championed by Thomas Jefferson and James Madison, the Federalists maintained a firm grip on power for the majority of the decade, especially during Adams' presidency.

The other parties listed did not exist or were not significant players in the 1790s. The Democratic-Republican Party was formed in response to Federalist policies and began to gain traction towards the end of the decade, while the Liberty Party and Whig Party emerged much later in the 19th century