History of the Two-Party Political System By 17mfenger Sep 17, 1787 Federalists and Democratic-Republicans Dec 7, 1796 John Adams becomes President and his party begins to fail Mar 6, 1816 Federalist party dies Mar 6, 1820 Democratic-Republicans Dominate Politics Mar 6, 1828 Democratic-Republican Split Mar 6, 1840 Liberty party founded Mar 6, 1850 Divisions in the parties over slavery Mar 6, 1865 Two Major Parties dominated Democrats and Republicans Mar 6, 1932 Democrats were now the main winning party Mar 6, 1968 Split control of Presidency and Congress