Political parties time line.This time line shows many of the important political parties in U.S. history. 1787-1816 FEDERALIST PARTY Federalist party, in U.S. history, the political faction that favored a strong federal government. Origins and Members In the later years of the Articles of Confederation there was much agitation for a stronger federal union, which was crowned with Founded by Alexander Hamilton, the Federalist Party believed in a strong central government that promoted trade and business, The unpopularity of Federalist fed·er·al·ist n. 1. An advocate of federalism. 2. Federalist A member or supporter of the Federalist Party. adj. 1. Of or relating to federalism or its advocates. 2. President John Adams's policies eventually caused the group to break up. 1792-1825 DEMOCRATIC-REPUBLICAN PARTY The Jeffersonian Republican party, better known as the Democratic-Republican Party, is an ancestor of the modern Democratic Party. It evolved in the 1790s during the early days of George Washington's presidency. Founded by Thomas Jefferson, the Democratic-Republican Party favored a weak central government and strong state governments. The party ruled from 1801 to 1824, but broke up due to squabbling over the 1824 election. 1825-1860 NATIONAL REPUBLICAN AND WHIG PARTIES The National Republicans continued the Federalists' push for a strong government and industry. In 1834, their party reorganized as the Whigs. Disagreements over slavery eventually caused the party to disband dis·band v. dis·band·ed, dis·band·ing, dis·bands v.tr. To dissolve the organization of (a corporation, for example). v.intr. 1. . 1828-present DEMOCRATIC PARTY Founded by Andrew Jackson, the Democratic Party continued the Democratic-Republicans' belief in states rights and limited government. Gradually, the party's policies began to change, until, in the 20th century, they included greatly expanded government powers. This is the oldest political party in the U.S. 1854-present REPUBLICAN PARTY This anti-slavery party helped trigger the Civil War (1861-1865) by electing Abraham Lincoln in 1860. At first, Republicans believed in a strong central government. This gradually changed in the late 1800s. Today, the "Grand Old Party" (GOP) favors a more-limited government, lower taxes, and a strong military. 1912-1916 PROGRESSIVE (OR "BULL MOOSE Bull Moose n. A member or supporter of the U.S. Progressive Party founded to support the presidential candidacy of Theodore Roosevelt in 1912. [From the party's emblem.] ") PARTY This group nominated Theodore Roosevelt to protest Republican President William Howard Taft's nomination in 1912. The "Bull Moose" Party's ticket split the Republican vote and led to the election of Democratic President Woodrow Wilson. The party gradually declined, and the Republicans reunited in 1916. 1971-present LIBERTARIAN PARTY The Libertarian party was founded in Colorado in 1971 and held its first convention in Denver in 1972. In 1972 it fielded John Hospers for president and Theodora Nathan for vice president in the U.S. general election. This group favors increasing individual liberties by limiting government authority, They would repeal most laws limiting business (such as environmental laws) and personal behavior (such as antidrug laws). This third party wins few elections, but its economic views influence the Republican Party. 1996-present REFORM PARTY Businessman H. Ross Perot H. Ross Perot (born June 27, 1930) is an American businessman from Texas, who is best known for seeking the office of President of the United States in 1992 and 1996. Perot founded Electronic Data Systems (EDS) in 1962 and later sold the company to General Motors and founded Perot created this third party to support his candidacy in the 1996 presidential election. In 2004, the party is backing consumer advocate Ralph Nader  This page is currently protected from editing until (UTC) or until disputes have been resolved. for President. It also calls for congressional term limits and U.S. withdrawal from the North American Free Trade Agreement North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), accord establishing a free-trade zone in North America; it was signed in 1992 by Canada, Mexico, and the United States and took effect on Jan. 1, 1994. (NAFTA NAFTAin full North American Free Trade Agreement Trade pact signed by Canada, the U.S., and Mexico in 1992, which took effect in 1994. Inspired by the success of the European Community in reducing trade barriers among its members, NAFTA created the world's ), an international trade pact A trade pact is a wide ranging tax, tariff and trade pact that often includes investment guarantees. Trade pacts are frequently politically contentious since they may change economic customs and deepen interdependence with trade partners. . 1996-present GREEN PARTY This third party calls for stronger environmental laws and a ban on corporate funding of American political campaigns. In 2000, Ralph Nader was the party's presidential nominee. He took key liberal votes from Democrat Al Gore, probably costing Gore the election. Questions 1. Which political party was the first to favor a strong central government? -- 2. Which party favored a weak central government and strong state governments? -- 3. Which party fell apart largely over disputes about slavery? -- 4. Which existing party is the oldest? -- 5. Which third party indirectly helped elect a Democrat President? -- 6. Many Democrats blame which party for costing them the 2000 presidential election? -- 7. The Libertarian Party's economic views have influenced which other party? -- 8. Which existing party began as a strong opponent of slavery? -- 9. Which two parties dominate U.S. politics today? -- 10. What impact can third parties have on major parties? -- Answers 1. Federalist 2. Democratic-Republican 3. Whig 4. Democratic 5. Progressive (or "Bull Moose") 6. Green 7. Republican 8. Republican 9. Democratic and Republican 10. Third parties can influence beliefs of the major parties; take away crucial votes in elections; and give a voice to opponents of the two major parties. |
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