The Democratic Federalist Party, often referred to simply as the Federalist Party, was one of the first political parties in the United States, founded in the late 18th century. It emerged in support of a strong national government and the ratification of the U.S. Constitution. Key figures included Alexander Hamilton and John Adams, who advocated for policies that promoted commerce and a centralized financial system. The party's influence peaked in the early 1800s but began to decline after the War of 1812, as opposition grew from the Democratic-Republican Party, led by Thomas Jefferson. By the 1820s, the Federalist Party had largely dissolved, marking a significant shift in American political dynamics.