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The Development of Political Parties in the U.S.

The Development of Political Parties in the U.S. Definition: A group of persons who seek to control government through the winning of elections and holding of public office. Functions of Political Parties:. Modify and encourage compromise unity. Nominate candidates for public office.

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The Development of Political Parties in the U.S.

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  1. The Development of Political Parties in the U.S. Definition: A group of persons who seek to control government through the winning of elections and holding of public office.

  2. Functions of Political Parties: • Modify and encourage compromise unity. • Nominate candidates for public office. • Inform & activate voters (campaigns, rallies, conventions, etc.) • Act as bonding agents (selecting good candidates who will perform well in office). • Govern when in office. • Act as watch dogs (party out of power).

  3. History of U.S. Two-Party System • Two-party system dominant throughout U.S. History. • Framers of Constitution against two-party system. • Saw parties as factions that would divide the nation. • BUT ratification of Constitution led to the development of two political parties…

  4. The Beginning: • Federalists—led by Alexander Hamilton (Sec. of Treasury). • Party of “rich and well-born” • Most had supported Constitution and strong central gov’t. • Liberal interp. of Constitution • Strong executive leadership & policies designed to correct economic problems. • Appealed to financial, manufacturing & commercial interests.

  5. Anti-Federalists—led by Thomas Jefferson (Sec. of State). • More sympathetic to the “common man” • Supported limited central gov’t • Congress should dominate gov’t • Policies should help farmers, shopkeepers, laborers, & planters • Strict construction of provisions in Const.

  6. Anti-Federalists Jeffersonian Republicans Democratic Republicans  Democrats (1828) • 1800-T.J. wins election. Federalists never regain power after loss.

  7. Four major periods of govt since 1800: • 1st era: 1800-1860 Democrats won 13 of 15 presidential elections. • 2nd era: 1860-1932 Republicans won 14 of 18 presidential elections • 3rd era: 1932-1968 Democrats won 7 of 9 presidential elections • 4th era: 1968-present Republicans won 7 of 11 presidential elections but Dems. have controlled Congress for much of this period.

  8. 1800-1860: • Dems. unopposed through “era of good feelings” • Split into factions by mid-1820s • By Jackson’s admin (1829-1837), National Republican (Whig) Party had emerged • Major issues: conflicts over public lands, Second Bank of U.S., high tariffs & slavery

  9. Democrats (led by Jackson): • Coalition of small farmers, debtors, pioneers & slave holders. • Mostly made up of South and West regions • Voting rights for all white males • # of elected offices increased • Gov’t jobs & favors awarded to supporters of party in power (spoils system)

  10. Whig Party (led by Henry Clay & Daniel Webster): • Coalition of eastern bankers, merchants & industrialists, owners of large southern plantations • Supported high tariff • Relatively unsuccessful (only elected 2 presidents btw 1830s-1850s) • Both parties split by slavery issue

  11. And then came the Republicans… • Whigs Republicans • Only party in history to jump from 3rd party to major party status. • Elected Abe Lincoln president in 1860 election! =) • Were able to draw many Whigs and anti-slavery Dems. into their party

  12. Era of Republicans 1860-1932 • Supported by business & financial interests, laborers, farmers & newly freed African Americans. • Dems survived due to hold on “Solid South” after reconstruction era

  13. Election of 1896=critical to development of two-party system • Sm. business owners, farmers & labor unions v. big business, railroads & financial monopolies • Repubs. nominate McKinley & support gold standard • Dems. support William Jennings Bryan & free silver • Dems. absorb Populist Party • Response from broader range of electorate= new strength to Repubs. Dominant for next 3 decades • Sectionalism economic arena

  14. 1932-1968: Return of the Democrats • Great Depression 1932 election of F.D.R. • Marks shift in public attitude toward gov’t involvement in social & economic life • New electoral base mostly southerners, organized labor, small farmers & big-city political orgs. • New Deal increased support of minorities • F.D.R won ‘32, ‘36, ‘40, ‘44 elections by large majority

  15. 1968-Present • Back & forth btw Repubs. & Dems. • 1968-Nixon (R) • Factors include: Vietnam War, civil rights movement, social welfare issues & emergence of American Independent Party • 1976-Carter (D)

  16. 1980- Carter loses to Reagan: • Terrible economy • Political fallout due to Iranian Hostage Crisis • Unable to establish himself as efficient leader • Reagan years: • Shift to more conservative policies

  17. Clinton in ‘92 & ‘96 • GOP regain W.H. in 2000 (controversial election) • Most of this period Repubs. have controlled W.H. & Dems. have controlled Congress • Switched in ‘94 • Now: Dems control W.H. & Republicans control Congress (House and filiabuster)

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