American Political Party Systems

Flashcards covering the key concepts from different American Political Party Systems, focusing on the divisions and stances of major parties throughout history.

What were the main divisions between Federalists and Democratic-Republicans in the First Party System?

They were divided over the role of the federal government, economic structure, and foreign alliances.

What did the Federalists support regarding the Constitution and economy?

They supported a strong national government, loose interpretation of the Constitution, and a market-based economy.

What economic vision did Democratic-Republicans advocate for?

They advocated for limited federal government, a strict interpretation of the Constitution, and an agrarian economy.

What was the foreign policy stance of the Federalists?

Federalists were pro-British.

How did the Democratic-Republicans view foreign alliances?

They were sympathetic to France.

What impact did third parties have during the First Party System?

They set the groundwork for future party formations but had limited impact.

What issues divided Democrats and Whigs in the Second Party System?

Economic policies and slavery.

What did Democrats advocate for during the Second Party System?

Limited government, states' rights, and territorial expansion (Manifest Destiny).

What was the Whig Party's stance on economic modernization during the Second Party System?

They supported economic modernization, including a national bank and protective tariffs.

How did Whigs and Democrats differ on the issue of slavery?

Whigs were divided on slavery while Democrats, especially in the South, supported its expansion.

What political stance did the Liberty Party and Free Soil Party take?

They pushed anti-slavery agendas influencing the formation of the Republican Party.

What divided Republicans and Democrats during the Third Party System?

Slavery, civil rights, and post-Civil War reconstruction.

What was the stance of Republicans on slavery during the Third Party System?

They opposed slavery's expansion and supported civil rights.

What did Democrats support in the agrarian South during the Third Party System?

They supported slavery and opposed civil rights for freed slaves.

What was a significant outcome of the Republicans' victory in 1860?

It led to the Civil War as Southern states seceded to preserve slavery.

What was the Republican approach to post-war Reconstruction?

They pushed for Reconstruction and civil rights against opposition from many Southern Democrats.

During the Third Party System, what were the Republicans' economic issues?

They supported economic modernization, while Democrats focused on agrarian concerns.

What reforms did the Populist Party advocate for?

They advocated for bimetallism, farm relief, and anti-monopoly policies.

How did the Populist Party influence the Democratic Party?

They influenced the Democratic Party's 1896 platform.