The First Party System: Signature Features and Nomination Process

1. The First Party System: Signature Features and Nomination Process September 15, 2011

2. American “Party Systems” • 1st 1790s-1824 Federalists vs. Dem-Reps • 2nd 1824-1860 Democrats vs. Whigs • 3rd 1860-1896 Democrats vs. Republicans • 4th 1896-1932 Democrats vs. Republicans • 5th1932-1964/8 Democrats vs. Republicans • 6th 1968-now Democrats vs. Republicans

3. Why are the first party system’s parties … • … a puzzle? • … a CAP solution? • … long coalitions? • … PIGs?

4. Parties in Congress • http://www.voteview.com/animate.htm

9. American “Party Systems” • 1st 1790s-1824 Federalists vs. Dem-Reps • Parties are PIGs only • Spread from Cabinet  Congress  States • Emergence of the “party press” • “King Caucus” • 2nd 1824-1860 Democrats vs. Whigs • 3rd 1860-1896 Democrats vs. Republicans • 4th 1896-1932 Democrats vs. Republicans • 5th1932-1964/8 Democrats vs. Republicans • 6th 1968-now Democrats vs. Republicans

10. The Party Press • Deliberately, overtly partisan newspaper networks Boston Gazette (est. 1800) Gazette of the United States (est. 1789)

11. John Adams, 1801: • “If we had been blessed with common sense, we should not have been overthrown by Philip Freneau, Duane, Callender, Cooper, and Lyon, or their great patron and protector. A group of foreign liars encouraged by a few ambitious native gentlemen have discomfited the education, the talents, the virtues, and the prosperity of the country.”

13. “King Caucus” • Presidential candidates were selected by legislative caucuses • Why was this system used? • What effects did it have? • 12th amendment • Candidate type

16. The End of the First Party System Source: US House of Representatives, Office of the Clerk, “House History” website, http://clerk.house.gov/art_history/house_history/index.html. *Parties are listed as “pro-administration” and “anti-administration.” **Parties are listed as “Adams” and “Jackson.”