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AP U.S. History Political Parties You Must Know

  • Minimized government interference with the economy.

Political Parties

Elections since Washington to Clinton

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.