AP U.S. History Political Parties You Must Know

• Minimized government interference with the economy.

Political Parties

Federalist (1796-1820)

• Northern.
• Weak state government
• Strong centralized government
• Indirect elections
• Longer terms
• Supported the Constitution
• Fought against Antifederalists and Democrat-Republicans

Antifederalists (1787-1789)

• Opposed ratification of the U.S. Constitution.
• Weak centralized government.
• Fought against Federalists.

Democratic Republicans (1796-1824)

• Opposed Federalist party.
• Stronger state government.
• Minimize government interference with the economy.
• Led by Thomas Jefferson.
• Fought against Federalists.

Whigs (1836-1860)

• Protective tariffs.
• National banking.
• Federal aid.
• Power for congress.
• Most were against slavery.
• Fought against Democrats.

Democrats (1828 - Present)

• Weaker national government.
• People power.
• Lower tariffs.
• Expansion
• Minimize government interference with the economy.
• Fought against Whigs, National Republicans, Republicans, Constitutional Union.

Know-Nothings

• Nativist ideas. (American-born).
• Anti-immigrant.

Liberty Party (1840-1860)

• Abolitionist and Anti-slavery.

Free-Soil (1848-1854)

• Merged into republican.
• Anti-slavery.
• Free public land to settlers.

Republicans (1856 - Present)

• Strong military
• Pro-business economic policy.
• Decentralized government.

Progressives / Bull Moose (1912)

• Improve human societies through political action.
• Advance human condition through social reform.
• Advancements in science, technology, economic development, and social organization.
• Commonly called socialists or environmentalists.

Socialists

• Social ownership of the means of production.
• Everyone have an equal share of resources and wealth.
• Similar to communism.

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