Final answer:
The first two major political parties in American history were the Federalists and the Democratic-Republicans. The Federalists supported a strong central government and a pro-business stance, while the Democratic-Republicans advocated for states' rights and an agrarian society.
Step-by-step explanation:
The first two major political parties in American history were the Federalists and the Democratic-Republicans.
The Federalists were formed in support of Alexander Hamilton's vision for the nation, advocating for a strong central government and a pro-business stance. The Democratic-Republicans, led by Thomas Jefferson and James Madison, emerged in opposition to Hamilton's vision and advocated for states' rights and an agrarian society.
These two parties dominated the political scene in the early years of the United States, setting the stage for the emergence of political parties as a defining feature of American democracy.