What issue most clearly divided our nation's first two political parties?

The correct answer is: Federal power versus State's rights.

This issue sets the Federal Government against State Governments and the power that the United States Constitution disposes for both governments. Some say the Federal government, or centralized government, must keep the right in all situations to revoke state laws, in order to assure the rights of individuals on a regular basis beyond the State frontiers.

But others aim to the 10th Amendment of the United States Constitution, which gives all power to State governments. They agree that this amendment was mandatory in order to protect the distinctive characteristics of the multiple States and their communities; they are against the tyranny of a centralized government.

With reference to past events, one example, of this battle between powers, involves slavery and civil rights issues. Many states in the south has inequitable and unfair laws, like preventing black people from voting or attending white public schools. After a long struggle, the Federal government won that battle.