What Political Party Did George Washington Belong To?

By Staff WriterLast Updated March 24, 2020

George Washington, the first president of the United States, belonged to the Federalist Party. The Federalist Party was one of the first two political parties in the United States.

The party originated in opposition to the Democratic-Republican party during Washington’s first term as President (1789-1793). Federalists dominated the nation until the defeat of John Adams in 1800. The party dissolved in the 1820s, and its members separated into the Democratic and Republican parties.

Federalists were known for their strong support of a national government and diplomatic harmony with foreign nations. In addition to George Washington, Alexander Hamilton, John Jay and John Marshall were all notable Federalists.