The Two-Party System in American History American Government

The Nation’s First Parties The U.S. has always been, and will always be, a two-party system. The nation’s first parties developed over ratification of the Constitution. Federalists – Formed around Alexander Hamilton Wealthy, supported the Constitution. Favored strong national government. Thomas Jefferson led opposition to Federalists. Favored limited government. Supported by laborers, famers, planters. Originally known as the anti-Federalists – later known as the Democratic- Republicans. By 1828 it evolved into the Democratic Party. Federalists did not hold office after 1800.

American Parties – Four Major Eras Era of the Democrats – 1800-1860 Jefferson’s victory in 1800 until the Civil War. The Democratic Party split into different factions by the mid-1820s. Andrew Jackson (1829-37) produces changes in the nation’s political landscape. Voting rights extended to all white males. Increase in number of elected offices throughout the country. Growth of the spoils system – the awarding of government jobs to loyal supporters. By the 1850s, the issue of slavery split the Democratic Party and many people joined the Republican Party. In 1860, Abraham Lincoln was the first Republican president.

American Parties – Four Major Eras Era of the Republicans – 1860-1932 Republicans dominated politics in the U.S. during and after the Civil War. Democrats were able to survive due to their control of the South. During the 1890s, parties began to focus more on economics and less on sectionalism. Republicans would control the government until the Great Depression.

American Parties – Four Major Eras The Return of the Democrats – 1932-1968 The Great Depression caused Franklin D. Roosevelt, a Democrat, to win election in 1932. This era was characterized by the government taking a more active role in people’s lives. New Deal Coalition – African Americans, Southerners, Catholics, Women, Jews – typically voted Democratic.

American Parties – Four Major Eras Era of Divided Government – 1968-present Richard Nixon’s election in 1968 signaled the development of a new era. Since 1968, America has been characterized by divided government, which occurs when different parties control the White House and one or both houses of Congress. Today, fewer Americans identify with political parties. More are independent More split-ticket voting