In "Founding Brothers: The Revolutionary Generation," Joseph J. Ellis discusses how the founding figures of the United States managed to harness the intense political debates of their time. Rather than allowing these discussions to spiral into chaos, they transformed them into structured dialogues that facilitated governance. This approach involved the establishment of political parties, which provided a framework for ongoing debate and political engagement.

By institutionalizing these discussions, the revolutionary generation effectively created a safer environment for political discourse. The formation of political parties helped to channel the diverse ideas and energies of the time into a more manageable dialogue, contributing to the stability of the new nation. Ellis emphasizes that this clever maneuvering was crucial in navigating the complexities of early American politics.