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Evolution & Transformation of Political Parties. Federalist Party. Supported strong central govt , a national bank, a loose interpretation of the Constitution, and manufacturing Supporters came from New England, the cities, the wealthy, and the educated
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Federalist Party • Supported strong central govt, a national bank, a loose interpretation of the Constitution, and manufacturing • Supporters came from New England, the cities, the wealthy, and the educated • Unpopular policies under John Adams (1800) caused a decline in the party, which was viewed as out of touch with the nation & the tide of nationalism following the War of 1812, which the party opposed
Democratic-Republican Party • Supported states rights, a strict interpretation of the Constitution, no central bank, and an agrarian-based society • Support came from the Southerners, farmers, and the poor & illiterate • The “Revolution of 1800” saw the transfer of leadership & power from the Federalist Party to the Democratic-Republicans without violence
Jacksonian Democrats • Democratic-Republican party split over bitterness from the “Corrupt Bargain” and supporters of Jackson began calling themselves the Democratic Party • Supported states’ rights, elimination of a central bank, and not using federal money for state projects • Aimed at expanding democracy & opening up business opportunities for all white men • Jackson won the presidency in 1828. His policies, which destroyed the central bank, resulted in the creation of the Whig Party in 1834.
The National Republicans or Whigs • Resembled the earlier Federalist Party, but in 1834 reorganized as the Whigs in opposition to Jackson’s perceived abuse of power • Known as the party of the wealthy, it was supported by merchants & urban dwellers • Supported a central bank and internal improvements • The party’s Southern wing supported slavery in contrast to the position of its Northern wing, causing its eventual collapse prior to the Civil War
Democrats 1840 to 1896 • Dominant in the North despite the issue of slavery • Espoused states’ rights, was against a national bank, supported popular sovereignty, and believed in rapid western expansion • During the Civil War, the Northern Democratic Party split into 2 factions – war Democrats, who supported Lincoln, and Copperheads, who supported states’ rights & held racist views • Regained power in the South after the Civil War & disenfranchised African Americans
Republicans from 1854 to 1900 • This group supported the Kansas-Nebraska Act, which overturned the Missouri Compromise & allowed popular sovereignty • Free Soilers & Northern Whigs joined with abolitionists to form a new party, which was designated as the Republican Party. They sought to restore the union as a champion of liberty, supported farmers, & initially was for a strong central govt. until the late 1800s. • Began to change in the late 19th century & became the party of laissez-faire capitalism, less govt. control, traditional Protestantism, & Prohibition
Democrats from 1900 to 2000 • Wilson was elected because of deep divisions in the Republican Party. His progressive reforms gained women the right to vote & helped resolve various antitrust issues. • The Great Depression led to many alterations, as the party moved toward government regulation. It became associated with civil rights and social and economic regulation. • Supporters consisted of union members, intellectuals, African Americans, women, immigrants, Southerners, Catholics, and city dwellers.
Republicans from 1900 to 2000 • Teddy Roosevelt, a progressive, became president after McKinley’s assassination • Support came from the middle class, workers, businessmen, and wealthy farmers, marking a realignment of the GOP • The party was split between those who wanted progressive reform & those who desired legislation favorable to business • Until the 1930s, it became the party of less tax & less govt; support came from the middle class, rural areas, & Protestant churches; strong element of anti-immigrant feelings arose
Republicans from 1900 to 2000… • In the 1960s, it appealed to Southern white voters who were abandoning the Democratic Party for a variety of reasons, including the civil rights movement • In the 1980s, Reagan appealed to social conservatives who wanted less govtcontrol and were tired of rapid social change and legislation & who wanted a stronger foreign policy