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First Party System
After Washington stepped away from politics, the First Party System emerged. The main party contenders were the Federalists and the Democratic-Republicans. The Feds were largely headed by Hamilton, and typically had the same attitudes as Feds who wanted the Constitution ratified. DRs were headed by Jefferson and Madison, and they rejected aristocratic practices as well as favored republicanism. -
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Second Party System
The Whigs, led by Clay, were a "denomination" from the National Republican Party, and were one of the two parties of this system. They challenged everything the Democratic Party (which was basically the Democratic-Republican party), led by Jackson did. The Whigs wanted the abolition of slavery and better treatment of Native Americans. -
Whig Weakness
The collapse of the Second System was facilitated by the weakness of the Whig Party through massive immigration by foreigners. -
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Third Party System
The Republicans and Democrats were the two parties at the time. Republicans favored what the Whigs had. The Republicans were mostly favored this time, as they wanted the abolition of slavery, whereas the Democrats were in more Southern states. Republicans were seen as the humanitarian helpers and overall more moral party at the time. -
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Fourth Party System
Began with the election of McKinley. This period of time is also called the Progressive Era. Democrats remained strong in the South but faced opposition in the presidency and everywhere else by the Republicans. The Populist movement was also popular at this time, and voting experienced decline in voting numbers. -
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Party Switch
William Jennings Bryan, a popular Democrat, hypothesized that it was the government's role (no matter who was in office) to promote social justice, which was a typical Republican stance. This blurred party lines, which persisted for a few decades as both parties vied for who could better initiate justice, especially in the new Western states. After a while, Republican ideals began to shift to what was previously Democratic, thus, switching the parties' platforms. These were in the 30's. -
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Fifth Party System
The Fifth Party System began with the New Deal under Franklin D. Roosevelt. It composed of a shift to a Democrat-controlled America. This was because of the failure seen as Republican economics that had been demonstrated during the Great Depression. During this period was when Democrats began to include African Americans in Civil Rights policies, and the Party Switch between liberal and conservative ideals began. There is debate on whether or not the Fifth System continues to the present. -
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Sixth Party System
Although there is debate over when and if there is a Sixth System, many believe this system started in the 80s with Reagan's election and Senate. It's also debated as starting in the 60s when the Democratic coalition began to break apart. Primary features include the South and rural areas becoming solidly Republican, whereas urban and western areas became Democratic. Moderates areas were for argumentation, and polarization and disagreeal increases between parties. -
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Seventh Party System?
Many also argue that with the election of Donald Trump in 2016 that Republican views have shifted away from securing more voters, and locking down on Whites, Christians, and non-college educates. This possible system also allows for Democrats to evolve from center-left to socially democratic, which has been hypothesized to emerge in the 2020 election. It comes in an era of further wedges and polarization between parties. -
What happens next?
It's clear that politics continue to polarize with more extreme views on either side. But what does it mean? If we see more polarizing, Democrats could favor social democracy, leading to reform in how elections work, as well as healthcare and other government systems. If Republicans continue their iron grip, we could see little change in economic policies and civilian rights.
