Two-Party System/ Political Parties (1801-1877)

Federalists v. Democratic-Republicans, 1789-1820

• This two-party system emerged in the early years of the United States following the ratification of the Constitution in 1789.

• One party, led by figures such as Alexander Hamilton and John Adams, advocated for a strong central government, industrial development, and close ties with Britain.

• The other party, led by Thomas Jefferson and James Madison, favored states' rights, agrarianism, and closer relations with France.

• This period saw intense political debates over issues such as the power of the federal government, economic policies (especially concerning banking and tariffs), and foreign relations.

• This one party gradually declined after the War of 1812, leading to the era of one-party rule known as the "Era of Good Feelings" under President James Monroe.

Whigs v. Democrats, 1832-1852

• This party emerged in the 1830s in opposition to the policies of President Andrew Jackson and his Democratic Party.

• This other party, which included figures such as Henry Clay and Daniel Webster, favored a strong federal government, internal improvements, and a national banking system.

• This party, led by Jackson and later figures such as Martin Van Buren, supported states' rights, agrarian interests, and the expansion of white male suffrage.

• This period saw intense debates over issues such as the expansion of slavery, economic policies (including the Bank War and tariffs), and the balance of power between the federal government and the states.

• This party dissolved in the 1850s due to internal divisions over slavery and other issues, paving the way for the emergence of the Republican Party.

Democrats v. Republicans, 1854-Present

• This party was founded in the 1850s as an anti-slavery party, emerging out of the remnants of the Whig Party and other political factions.

• This other party, which had dominated American politics for much of the early 19th century, continued to represent agrarian interests in the South and urban workers in the North.

• The period leading up to the Civil War and Reconstruction saw intense political conflict between these two parties over the issue of slavery and its extension into new territories.

• Following the Civil War, this party became associated with policies of Reconstruction and industrialization, while the Democratic Party often represented Southern interests and opposition to civil rights reforms.

• Over time, the parties evolved and realigned on various issues, including economic policies, civil rights, foreign affairs, and social issues.

• These parties have remained the two major political parties in the United States, with shifts in their platforms and coalitions reflecting changing political, social, and economic dynamics.

Federalist

• Supporters of the U.S. Constitution and a strong federal government

• They believed in a centralized government, a national bank, and close ties with Britain.

• Included Alexander Hamilton and John Adams, and they were opposed by the Anti-Federalists who favored states' rights.

Democratic-Republican

• A political party founded by Thomas Jefferson and James Madison

• Advocating for states' rights and a strict interpretation of the Constitution.

National-Republican

• This was a political party in the United States during the 1820s and 1830s

• It was formed by supporters of John Quincy Adams and Henry Clay, advocating for a strong federal government, protective tariffs, and internal improvements.

• This party emerged on the American political scene in the 1820s and 1830s, a period marked by significant social and economic changes

• The party's platform centered around the promotion of a robust federal government, the implementation of protective tariffs to safeguard American industries, and the advancement of internal infrastructure improvements across the nation.

Democratic

• This was a political party that emerged during the Jacksonian era and became one of the two major political parties in the United States

• Led by figures such as Andrew Jackson and Martin Van Buren

• Represented the interests of farmers, workers, and the common people

• It advocated for policies such as states' rights, limited government, and expansion of democratic participation.

Whigs

• This was a political party that emerged in the United States during the Jacksonian era and competed with the Democrats for control of government offices

• Led by figures such as Henry Clay and Daniel Webster

• Represented the interests of business owners, urban professionals, and supporters of government intervention in the economy

• Favored policies such as the American System and a strong national government.

American "Know-Nothing" Party

• In the 1840s, opposition to immigrants led to sporadic rioting in the big cities and the organization of a secret anti-foreign society

• The Supreme Order of the Star-Spangled Banner

• This society turned to politics in the early 1850s, nominating candidates for office as the American party or this

Republican

• Made by Abraham Lincoln

• This was founded in the 1850s as an anti-slavery party and has since evolved to become one of the two major political parties in the United States

• This party, founded in the 1850s by anti-slavery activists, emerged as a response to the growing tensions over the issue of slavery in the United States

• Initially established as a political force committed to opposing the expansion of slavery into new territories

• The party quickly gained traction and attracted a diverse coalition of members, including abolitionists, former Whigs, and anti-slavery Democrats

• 1854 - anti-slavery Whigs and Democrats

• Free Soilers and reformers from the Northwest met and formed party to keep slavery out of the territories

National-Union

• Essentially the Republican party with loyal or "war" democrats

• To isolate the Peace democrats (copperheads), the Republicans formed this party & replaced Lincoln's VP Hannibal Hamlin with a Southern Unionist Andrew Johnson

• In order to create a more "balanced" ticket for the 1864 election, Lincoln will invite Andrew Johnson, Democrat and military governor of Kentucky, to be his vice-presidential candidate. This created a new faction in the Republican ticket called