Political PartiesII

History of Political Parties The Formative Years: Federalists and Anti-

Federalists The Era of Good Feelings

James Monroe, a Democratic-Republican, won election

An era of little partisan activity (1816-1828) An Era of Two Party Rivalry

Rise of Democrats and Whigs Democrats

Andrew Jackson Standing for popular rule Standing for the aspirations of the

common man

History of Political Parties An Era of Two Party Rivalry

Rise of Democrats and Whigs Democrats Whigs

A coalition of bankers, merchants, southern planters

Opposed to Jacksonian democracy Winning two presidential elections in

1840 and 1854 Civil War and Partisan Politics

Birth of Republican Parties Created in 1854 Against extension of slavery into territories

History of Political Parties Civil War and Partisan Politics

Birth of Republican Parties Created in 1854 Against extension of slavery into territories Founding members:

A group of Whigs Free-Soilers Anti-slavery democrats

Replaced Whig as an alternative party to Democrats

Grand Old Party

History of Political Parties The Post-Civil War Period

The Triumph of the Republicans 9 Republican Presidents out of 12

History of Political Parties

The Progressive Interlude 1912-1920 Democratic Party in control of White House Standing for government intervention of

economy The New Deal Era

20 year Democratic control of WH (28-48) An Era of Divided Government

In the years after 1968, the general pattern was often a Republican president and a Democratic Congress.

2000 Presidential Election (Red state-blue state)

Election 1896

Election 2004

The Two Major Parties Today The parties’ core constituents Economic beliefs

Government intervention Free enterprise and free market Taxation

Groups behind the parties Democrats have the reputation of

supporting the less-well-off, and Republicans the prosperous.

Issues and Concerns

The Three Faces of a Party1- Party loyalists

The people who identify with the party or who regularly vote for the candidates of the party in general elections

2-Party activists and leaders National

Convention delegates National Committee National Chairperson

State party organizations Local party organizations

Three Faces of a Party (cont.)

3-The Party in Government Divided Government

Different parties in control of WH and Congress

The Limits of Party Unity Voting along party line not ensured

Party Polarization

Why Has the Two Party System Endured?

Often, on major issues confronting the country there have been two clear sides. This duality helped to initiate a two-party system and has maintained this system through the present.

Political socialization and practical considerations

The Winner-Take-All Electoral System Presidential Voting Popular Election of the Governors and

President Proportional Representation

State and Federal Laws Favoring the Two Parties

The Role of Minor Parties in U.S. Politics

Ideological Third Parties Splinter Parties The Impact of Minor Parties

Influencing the Major PartiesAffecting the Outcome of an

Election

Most Successful Third Party Campaigns

Mechanisms of Political Change

Realignment: a process in which a substantial group of voters switches party allegiance, producing a long-term change in the political landscape.

The Myth of Dominance The Myth of Predictability Is Realignment Still Possible?

Dealignment: a major drop-off in support for the parties.

Independent Voters Not-So-Independent Voters

Party Identification: 1937-Present