Historical Outline of the American Political Parties

For College Level History and Political Science

1. Why is this important?
a. Understanding of current social and political trends through study of history

b. Change through political system has had effects on the everyday lives of Americans
i. Labor laws
ii. Health care and the welfare state
iii. Consumer affairs and the price of goods

c. Third party politics of the past promise mechanism for change in the future

2. Eras of American Political History
a. 1792-1820 (The Democratic Republicans and the Federalists)
Democratic Republicans- Small government, vision of an agricultural and small industrial nation
Federalists- National economy, industrial nation, stronger government
Major Issues- Continued conflicts with France and England, assertion of independence from Europe, growth of military, internal development, Louisiana Purchase
Political Innovations- 1st state parties (D-R), rise of the public into electoral politics
Why Change?-1814 Hartford Convention threatens secession of New England, ends Federalists; strength of D-R at all levels of government, strong local elements; dissension within Federalist ranks

b. 1820-1828 (The Era of Good Feelings)
Sectional Interests-
i. North-beginnings of abolitionism; concern over national industrial growth
ii. South-agricultural culture, slavery, religious revival
iii. West-expansion, small government, aggressive Indian policy
Major Issues- constitutional issues from 1824 election, sectional conflicts, infrastructure development, tariffs, 1820 Compromise, Second Great Awakening
Political Innovations- 1st campaign biography (1824- Andrew Jackson) and attempts to make leaders seem more like the voters
Why Change?- 1825 “corrupt bargain” galvanized elements behind Andrew Jackson and a new party; sectionalism entrenched whereby parties created as mechanisms of electoral success