Federalist leader Alexander Hamilton 's death in July 1804 following the Burr – Hamilton duel destroyed whatever hope the Federalists had of defeating the popular Jefferson . Leaderless and disorganized , the Federalists failed to attract much support outside of New England . The Federalists attacked the Louisiana Purchase as unconstitutional , criticized Jefferson 's gunboat navy , and alleged that Jefferson had fathered children with his slave , Sally Hemings , but the party failed to galvanize opposition to Jefferson . Jefferson 's policies of expansionism and reduced government spending were widely popular . Jefferson was aided by an effective Democratic-Republican party organization , which had continued to develop since 1800 , especially in the Federalist stronghold of New England
Burr – Hamilton duel
Burr–Hamilton duel
1804 United States presidential election