U.S. Political Party Evolution: Founders to Modern Systems

What was the Founders' view of political parties?

They saw parties as dangerous, dividing the public and obstructing the public interest.

What warning did Washington give in his Farewell Address regarding parties?

He warned that party conflict could lead to 'horrid enormities' and 'despotism.'

What were the two factions in Washington's Cabinet?

Hamilton represented Federalists, favoring national power and industry; Jefferson and Madison represented Democratic-Republicans, favoring agrarian interests and limited government.

What characterized the Federalists during 1800-1824?

They had urban, northern, commercial support, favored high tariffs, and a strong national government.

What characterized the Democratic-Republicans during 1800-1824?

They represented agrarian interests from the South/West, advocating for limited government, states' rights, and free trade.

What was the Era of Good Feelings?

A period from 1815 to 1825 marked by the collapse of the Federalists and a one-party system of Democratic-Republicans.

What was significant about the Election of 1824?

It featured four Democratic-Republican candidates and emphasized personalities over issues, revealing regional divisions.

What were Martin Van Buren's positive views on political parties?

He believed they unite citizens, provide shared identity, simplify voter decisions, and increase participation.

What were the Jacksonian Democrats known for?

They were populist, pro-expansion, supported universal white male suffrage, and advocated for limited government.

What characterized the Whigs party formed in 1833?

They were anti-Jackson, supported high tariffs and infrastructure improvements, and were reminiscent of the old Federalists.

What was the Civil War Party System?

A period where Democrats became predominantly southern, Whigs collapsed, and the Republican Party emerged in the North.

What was the Republican Party's platform during the Civil War?

It included anti-slavery expansion, high tariffs, infrastructure subsidies, free homesteads, and open immigration for labor.

What was the significance of the election of 1896?

It marked the beginning of Republican dominance until 1933, except for Wilson, as Republicans allied with corporate interests.

What was the impact of the Great Depression on the political landscape?

Unemployment soared from 5% to 25%, leading to FDR's New Deal and Democratic dominance until LBJ's Great Society.

What were some key programs introduced during FDR's New Deal?

Programs included the CCC, WPA for work, and Social Security for retirement, disability, and unemployment insurance.

What happened to southern segregationists during the New Deal period?

Southern segregationists, known as 'Dixiecrats,' began to defect to the Republican Party.