Development of American Political Parties

What is a political party? A political party is an association of voters with broad common interests who want to influence or control decision making in government by electing the party’s candidates to public office. Parties pick candidates who agree with their beliefs and try to persuade voters to support those candidates. Anyone may join a political party. You simply declare yourself a member.

Two-Party System The United States has had two major parties, or a two-party system, since 1860.

Roots of the Two-Party System Alexander Hamilton wanted a strong national government and strong president. Hamilton’s group, the Federalist Party, faded away. Thomas Jefferson wanted less power for the national government and more for state governments. Jefferson’s group was called the Democratic-Republican Party. In 1828, the party split, and the new leader Andrew Jackson aligned with the Democratic Party.

The Republican Party The Whigs (or National Republicans) rose in 1830, and the Whigs and Democrats remained the two major parties until the 1850s. 1854 breakaway Democrats and Whigs who opposed slavery formed the Republican Party. Abraham Lincoln became the first Republican president in 1860.

Third Parties Third parties sometimes challenge the two major parties. A third party has never won a presidential election and rarely wins other major elections. Third parties can influence the outcome of elections and may influence policy.

Third Party-Populists Farmers and laborers formed the Populists in the 1890s. They called for the direct election of senators and an eight-hour working day. They did not win, but the two major parties adopted many of their ideas.

Third Party-Progressives In 1912, former Republican president Theodore Roosevelt ran for president for the Progressives, or Bull Moose Party. He won enough votes away from the Republican candidate, William Howard Taft, that Democrat Woodrow Wilson won the election.

Single-Issue Parties Some third parties arise to promote a social, economic, or moral issue. The Prohibitionist Party pushed for laws against the sale of alcohol. Single-issue parties fade when the issue loses importance or a major party adopts it.

Ideological Parties Ideological parties focus on changing society in major ways. The Socialist Labor Party and Communist Party favor government ownership. The Libertarian Party wants more individual freedom. The Green Party opposes the power of corporations.

Independent Candidates Some third parties form around well-known individuals who cannot get support from a major party. Such parties fade after their candidate’s defeat. H. Ross Perot

Difficulties for Third-Party Candidates Republican and Democratic candidates are automatically placed on the ballot in many states. Third-party candidates must obtain a large number of signatures to get on the ballot. Third parties have trouble raising enough money to compete with the major parties.

The People’s Republic of China In a one-party system, the government and party are nearly the same thing. In the People’s Republic of China, only the Communist Party is allowed to exist. A one-party system is not a democracy. There are no rival candidates in the elections.

Iran’s Islamic Republican Party One-party systems also exist in some non-Communist nations. Muslim leaders control Iran’s Islamic Republican Party. Other parties are outlawed or inactive.

What are the differences between one- and two-party systems? American Civics 9/21/2018 What are the differences between one- and two-party systems? One-Party System Two-Party System Usually a totalitarian government Usually an unlimited government A government unrestrained by the people Opposition parties illegal  Usually restrictive of civil and political rights Usually forms a stable government Usually a limited government Composed of a diverse group of people who share similar political beliefs Elections are based on a “winner take all” format  Usually civil and political rights are protected Chapter 10

Differences Between Democrats and Republicans Democrats tend to believe that the federal government should be more directly involved in regulating the economy and providing for the poor. Republicans tend to believe that if they help the economy grow, poor people will have a better chance of finding jobs and providing for themselves. They believe in less regulation.

What is a Party’s Platform? A platform is a series of statements expressing the party’s principles, beliefs, and positions on issues. Each individual part is called a plank. The platform communicates to voters what the party plans to do if it wins.