1. Party Eras in American History

2. 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

3. The Big Picture 1787-2008 1787-1800: Early Political Factions
: Era of the Democrats
: Era of the Republicans
: Era of the Democrats
: Divided Government

4. Early Political Parties
: 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)

5. : 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 ( )
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

6. 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

7. : 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

8. 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

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