Final answer:
Conflicts within Washington's cabinet due to differing viewpoints on federal power led to the early formation of political factions, laying the groundwork for the American two-party system.
Step-by-step explanation:
The conflicts within George Washington's cabinet significantly influenced American politics, leading to the formation of early political factions that would evolve into today's party system. During Washington's tenure, the domestic and foreign policy disagreements between leaders such as Alexander Hamilton and Thomas Jefferson underscored the need for a more robust national government, one aspect highlighted by the Federalists. Conversely, the Republicans, guided by Jefferson's ideals, championed a more decentralized government with limited federal power.
The culmination of these differences became apparent in events like the Whiskey Rebellion, which demonstrated the Federalists' preference for a strong central government capable of maintaining peace and order. Such contrasting views led to political tension and the eventual creation of the two-party system, as evidenced by the first partisan presidential election in 1796 where John Adams, a Federalist, won against Jefferson, a Republican. The political climate of the era was further aggravated by international tensions, such as the XYZ Affair and the Quasi-War with France, which heightened partisan sentiment and led to controversial legislation like the Alien and Sedition Acts.
Ultimately, these internal conflicts during Washington's administration set the stage for ongoing political debate and division, shaping the evolution of American political ideology and the role of the federal government.