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. 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).

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…

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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)

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

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

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

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

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

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)

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

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)