Which document provided substantial stimulus for the formation of the American two-party system?

The formation of the American two-party system was significantly influenced by the Federalist Papers. This collection of essays, written by key figures such as Alexander Hamilton and James Madison, sought to advocate for the ratification of the U.S. Constitution and explain the principles behind the new government structure. The Federalist Papers outlined the necessity of a strong central government and addressed the concerns of the Anti-Federalists, who opposed such power. As factions—namely the Federalists and Democratic-Republicans—began to take shape in response to differing views on government, economics, and foreign policy, the groundwork for the two-party system was laid.

Although the Constitution provided the framework for the government, it did not directly establish political parties. The Declaration of Independence is primarily a document proclaiming independence from British rule and does not address political factions. The Bill of Rights serves as a protector of individual liberties but also lacks provisions for political parties. Therefore, the Federalist Papers are the most direct stimulus leading to the development of the two-party system, as they articulated the ideological divides that emerged among early American politicians.