-
The First Political party
In this time period, America was divided between Federalists and Anti-Federalists. The Federalists wanted a stronger government and the Anti-Federalists thought the U.S. Constitution held too much power. The Federalist Party was supported by bankers and merchants while the Anti-Federalists were supported by farmers. -
The Era of Good Feelings
By this time, the Federalist party has dwindled. The Republicans faced no opposition, so the time period came to be called the "Era of Good Feelings". This was basically a time period with no political parties. -
National Republicans and Democrats
Andrew Jackson's followers formed their own political party after John Quincy Adams was elected. Jackson's party was called the Democrats and Adams' party was called the National Republicans. The Republicans favored spending money and faster economic development while the Democrats favored personal liberty. -
The Whigs
The National Republican Party had no real success. Jackson's followers attempted to create a new party called the Whig Party. This party was united in the vision to create a strong national economy. -
The Republican Party
The issue of slavery divided the parties in this time period. Northern Whigs and Anti-slavery Democrats joined forces to create a new party. The Republicans opposed slavery and had economic policies similar to the Whigs. -
Parties after the Civil War
Northern and Southern Democrats became united. They opposed Republican policies and forceful implentation of cultural values. Catholics strongly supported this new party.
