Final answer:
During George Washington's presidency, the Federalist and Democratic-Republican parties were divided over the role of the federal government, interpretation of the Constitution, economic policies like Hamilton's financial plan, and foreign policies related to the French Revolution.
Step-by-step explanation:
During the presidency of George Washington, major issues that caused division between the Federalist and Democratic-Republican parties included their differing views on the power and scope of the federal government, the interpretation of the Constitution, Alexander Hamilton's economic policies, and the foreign policy, particularly in reaction to the French Revolution.
The Federalists, led by Alexander Hamilton, favored a strong central government, a loose interpretation of the Constitution, and economic policies that included the federal assumption of state debts, the creation of a national bank, and support for tariffs and internal improvements. They believed these measures would establish a stable economic foundation for the nation. On the other hand, the Democratic-Republicans, led by Thomas Jefferson, advocated for a limited central government, and strict interpretation of the Constitution, and were more cautious about the power of the central government fearing it could infringe on the rights of the states and individuals.
The Federalists also sought to build closer ties with Great Britain, while the Democratic-Republicans were more favorable towards the French, especially in the wake of the French Revolution. This divergence in foreign policy further strengthened the divide, as it also reflected their broader philosophies about governance and power. The tensions between the two factions were palpable, contributing to the development of the party system in the United States.