-
The Federalists
In 1787, Alexander Hamilton and other leaders wanted a strong government. They began calling themselfs the Federalists. This was the first United States political party. Some of the people who followed them were northern businessmen, bankers, and merchants. -
The Anti- Federalists
In 1796, anti-Federalists gathered around Thomas Jefferson. The members of Thomas Jefferson's group called themselves, the Democratic- Republicans. The Democratic-Republican Party followers were planters, small farmers, and artisans. They wanted the government to leave them alone as much as possible. -
Federalists Lost Control
In 1800, the Federalists lost control of the government when Thomas Jefferson and his party entered in to the office. -
The Democrats and the National Republicans
In 1828, Andrew Jackson was a Democratic- Republican. He was elected President and changed the name of Democratic- Republican to Democrats. Some people who were once Federalists, formed the National Republicans. -
The Issue Of Slavery
In 1854, slavery became an issue that was a political debate. The people who wanted slavery left the National Republicans. This is when the party began to crumble. Around this time, the Democrats split up into Northern and Southern. -
The Republicans
In 1854, some people who were anti- slavery formed the Republican Party. The people who were anti- slavery, helped Abraham Lincoln win in the 1861 election. -
The Four Major Parties
By 1860, voters had a choice of four major parties. They inlcuded the Northern Democrat, Southern Democrat, Republican, and the Constitutional- Union Party. -
The Civil War
When the Southern Confederacy lost the Civil War, it weakend the Democrats. For many years, the Republicans were the major party. -
The Great Depression
The two parties were not deeply seperated until the Great Depression struck the country. This is how in 1932, Franklin D. Roosefelt and his New Deal won the presidential election. -
Democrats vs. Republicans- Today
Today both Democrats and Republicans argee on socil security, unemployment insurance, basic foreign policy, and civil rights. The issues they disagree on are how best to keep the economy growing, protect the environment, and maintain a strong national defense.