A 2016 Gallup poll indicated a plurality of Americans identify as independent since 2010, though their ideology often leans toward one of the major parties.
John Adams (Federalist) defeated Thomas Jefferson (Democratic-Republican).
Jefferson became vice president due to being the runner-up before the 12th Amendment.
Thomas Jefferson (Democratic-Republican) defeated John Adams (Federalist).
The Federalist party weakened.
Electoral tie influenced the 12th Amendment, mandating the president and vice president to be elected together.
The Democratic-Republican party splintered into factions.
Andrew Jackson won the most electoral votes, but not enough to win outright.
The House of Representatives chose John Quincy Adams, leading to accusations of a deal.
William Henry Harrison (Whig) won the presidential election.
A major economic downturn in 1837 gave the Whigs a platform to oppose the Democrats.
Campaigns began to resemble modern campaigns, with advertising focused on candidates.
Slavery became the primary concern.
The Whigs divided and declined.
The Democrats split over slavery.
The Republican party formed on an antislavery platform.
Abraham Lincoln (Republican) defeated John C. Breckinridge (Democrat), launching the Third Party System.
Rapid social and economic changes led to protest parties like the Populists.
The Populists merged with the Democrats, nominating William Jennings Bryan.
William McKinley (Republican) won, leading to the Fourth Party System.
The Great Depression influenced the election of Franklin D. Roosevelt (Democrat).
Roosevelt promised government support for public welfare, leading to the Fifth Party System.
Some experts believe the U.S. has begun a seventh party system.
Factors include party polarization, campaign finance, and changes in communication technology.
Campaign finance reforms, like the Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission (2010) ruling, allow wealthy donors to influence campaigns, reducing the role of parties.
Changes in communication technology allow direct access to candidates through social media, potentially bypassing party structure.
The rise of communication and data-management technology may have contributed to a new party system.
The Internet opens avenues of free advertising and campaign fundraising.
The press' filter between politicians and the people is declining as people have direct access through social media.
This new way to handle communication and collect funding directly affects political party structure.
People are hired just to manage the party's, or candidate's, social media presence.