History of the Two Party System Federalists Formed

History of the Two Party System

Federalists • Formed around Alexander Hamilton, First Secretary of the Treasury • Supporters of the Constitution • Wanted a strong national government

Anti-Federalists • Formed around Thomas Jefferson, First Secretary of State • Very limited role for the new federal government • Congress should dominate of the three branches of government.

Evolution of the Anti-Federalists • Jefferson resigned from Washington’s cabinet to give his name to the antifederalists. They became known as the Jeffersonian Republicans, then the Democratic Republicans, then simply the Democratic Party in 1828.

Democrats rule!!! • After Jefferson defeated John Adams in 1800, the Democrats won 13 of 15 Presidential Elections.

Republicans turn • Rise of the Republicans, due to Abraham Lincoln and coalition of Northerners, African Americans, Farmers and laborers dominated from 1860 until 1932.

Depression, opportunity for the Democrats • Due to the Depression and the problems with the economy, the Democrats took power as Herbert Hoover lost to FDR. Democrats won power and kept it from 1932 until 1952, but regained it in 1960 until 1968.

Party Re-alignment • The Democrats held the south solidly until the Civil Rights and other issues emerged. As of late, the Republicans have had majorities in the south.

New competitive era Presidential Election winners: 1968 and 1972: Nixon 1976: Carter 1980 and 1984: Reagan 1988: Bush 1992 and 1996 Clinton 2000 and 2004 Bush II 2008 and 2012 Obama Rep Dem