Party Eras in American History

Party Eras and Changes Party Era: one political party dominated politics for a significant period of time Party Realignment: party redefines itself and attracts a new coalition of voters, or when the coalitions making up a party fall apart. Usually a result of a traumatic event such as a war or economic depression Critical Election: when a new party comes to power to dominate politics

The Big Picture 1787-2008 1787-1800: Early Political Factions 1800-1860: Era of the Democrats 1860-1932: Era of the Republicans 1932-1968: Era of the Democrats 1968-2008: Divided Government

Early Political Parties 1787-1789: Political Factions Federalist v. Anti-Federalists (Ratification of the U.S. Constitution) U.S. Constitution does not mention political parties Federalists: (Alexander Hamilton) the party of the “rich and well-born”, who favored ratification of the Constitution, favored a strong national government especially under the Presidency and Executive branch (liberal constructionists) Opposition: (Thomas Jefferson) more sympathetic to the “common man” and favored a very limited role of the new national government (state rights or strict constructionists)

1800-1860: Era of the Democrats Thomas Jefferson’s election in 1800 marked the start of a period of Democratic control which lasted until the Civil War Era of Good Feeling (Democratic-Republicans were unopposed) James Monroe (1817-1825) Personal Politics: focused on the character of the individual rather than party identification Andrew Jackson election of 1828 National Republican (Whig) Party formed to challenge the Democrats Democratic Coalition: small farmers, debtors, frontier pioneers, and slaveholders 1800, 1804, 1812, 1816, 1820, 1824, 1828, 1832, 1836, 1840, 1844, 1848, 1852, 1856

1860-1932: The Era of Republicans The election of Abraham Lincoln and the Civil War was a critical election that marked the start of the Republican era. Republican coalition formed out of anti-slavery groups, business and financial interests, farmers, laborers, and newly freed African-Americans Reconstruction of the South (Democrats) Election of 1896 began another strong Republican era during which industrialization and capitalism were advanced along with the progressive movement in America 1860, 1864, 1868, 1872, 1876, 1880, 1884, 1888, 1892, 1896, 1900, 1904, 1908, 1912, 1916, 1920, 1924, 1928

1932-1968: Era of the Democrats The Great Depression brings about a shift in perception about the role of the Government and a return of the Democrats to power Election of FDR marked the party realignment and a critical election in 1932 New Deal Programs, “New Deal Coalition” Southerners, farmers, and organized labor Civil Rights Movement: African-American Support 1932, 1936, 1940, 1944, 1948, 1952, 1956, 1960, 1964

1968-2008 Era of Divided Government Era were neither Republicans no Democrats consistently hold the Presidency, and Congress has often been controlled by the opposing party Divided Government makes policy making difficult Vietnam War, Watergate Scandal, Cold War Ends 1968, 1972, 1976, 1980, 1984, 1988, 1992, 1996, 2000, 2004

The Future (2008 and Beyond)? 2008 Election (Barack Obama) Unified Government: both the Presidency and Congress controlled by the Democratic Party