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Federalist Party

The Federalists wanted a powerful central government, a continued relationship with Great Britain, a regulated banking system, and a relationship between elites and government. Key players: Alexander Hamilton and John Adams. They mostly controlled the government until 1801.

Democratic-Republican Party

Led by Thomas Jefferson, this party argued for states’ rights, no central banking, individual liberty, and a limited federal government. It emerged as a response to the increasing power of bankers and businessmen.

The Antebellum Era, 1828-1864

This era defined by the emergence of the Republican and Democratic Parties and the dominance of slavery and secession issues.

Democratic Party

The modern Democratic Party began with Andrew Jackson, advocating for the federal government to serve the people. They argued for strong presidential power and state decisions on slavery. This stance weakened the party before the Civil War.

Whig Party

The Whig Party opposed Jackson. They were business-friendly, supported a national bank and federally sponsored internal improvements. But a stance on slavery split the party.

Republican Party

Exploiting debates over slavery, Republicans opposed its expansion. They gained traction and got John C. Freemont into the presidency in 1856. After Lincoln, the nation plunged into civil war.

Anti-Masonic Party

Founded due to paranoia about the Masons, it aimed to remove Freemasons from politics but lasted from 1827 to 1836.

Liberty Party

The first anti-slavery party, founded due to divisions in the American Anti-Slavery Society. By 1848, its leadership urged members to vote for the Free Soil Party.

Free Soil Party

This party opposed the expansion of slavery into the west. It declined as the Compromise of 1850 and the Kansas-Nebraska Act pushed members towards abolitionism. The Republican Party adopted its rhetoric.

Constitutional Union Party

A party focused on compromise, upholding the constitution, preventing secession, and solving the slavery issue. It had little influence and died out before the Civil War.

Know-Nothing Party

An anti-immigrant party founded in 1845, also known as the American Party. It aimed to limit Irish immigration and had little success.

The Reconstruction Era, 1864-1890’s

Parties dealt with the aftermath of a fractured nation. The Republican and Democratic Parties dominated, sharpening their disagreements.

Democratic Party

The Reconstruction era was not the Democratic Party’s high point. Split into groups supporting limited government, labor rights, and criticism of industrial strength.

Republican Party

Won five of seven presidential elections, supporting a strong central bank, railroads, tariffs, and aid to homesteaders. Freed slaves joined the party, but divisions arose over immigration and corruption.

Greenback-Labor Party

Advocated for returning to the postwar standard of printing money without basing it on silver or gold. It disappeared by 1884.

The Progressive Era, 1896-1932

Industrialization dominated cities, and distrust of business swept the country.

Democratic Party

Farmers' concerns dominated, but the party lost urban support. Woodrow Wilson won the presidency but lost popularity due to WWI and the League of Nations.

Republican Party

Initially fought corruption and sought worker’s rights but split into the Progressive Party. Attempted to align with rural politics, the South, and against immigrants.

Progressive Party

Founded by Theodore Roosevelt after a falling out with William Howard Taft. It argued for reforms on tariffs, voting rights for women, business regulation, and labor rights.

Know-Nothing Party

Drew in nativists and anti-immigrant groups, advocating for keeping out anarchists, socialists, and invalids.

People’s Party

The farmers’ party, advocating for printing more money and a more direct relationship with the government. It faded after the election of Bryant.

Socialist Party

Influential in the early 20th century, nominating Eugene V. Debs for president. It was fragmented between reform and revolution.

The Era of Liberalism, 1933-Present Day

The Democratic Party aligned with economic liberalism, while Republicanism moved towards conservative government.

Democratic Party

Adhered to Keynesian economics, with government intervention in the economy. Aligned with civil rights.

Republican Party

Opposed the New Deal, advocating for small government, states’ rights, pro-business policies, anti-radicalism, and pro-military strength.

Libertarian Party

Stood for individual freedom and a no-interventionist federal government.

Reform Party

Led by Ross Perot, opposing NAFTA and arguing against the national debt.

Independent Parties

Candidates not aligning with any party, like