The life of the parties: why do we have Democrats and Republicans?

Many unexpected things can happen in a presidential election. But one thing is now certain: The winner this November will be either Republican George W. Bush or Democrat John F. Kerry.

It is nearly impossible for an individual to be elected President in the United States unless he or she has been nominated by the Democratic or Republican Party. What are the roots of these two parties, and how did they become so dominant?

The Electoral College 

A political party is an organized group of citizens who hold similar ideas on public issues. In order to put those ideas in motion, the group must be able to elect a leader who will represent its interests.

Some of America's Founders viewed political parties as a serious threat. George Washington and Thomas Jefferson, for example, believed that bickering parties would tear the new country apart. In 1787, Alexander Hamilton wrote that nothing could be worse than the "intolerant spirit which has at all times characterized political parties."

At the same time, the Founders were realistic. They saw that parties would form naturally. People would need to organize in groups to support candidates for national office, and to debate the important concepts that would shape the country.

Democrats and Republicans

The first parties developed in the late 1700s, when George Washington was President. The Federalist Party, led by Secretary of the Treasury Alexander Hamilton, fought for a strong central government controlled by the educated classes. In response, Thomas Jefferson and James Madison helped create the Democratic-Republican Party, which argued for a weaker federal government. They believed in giving more rights and powers to states and individual citizens.

The Democratic Party emerged out of the breakup of the Democratic-Republicans in the 1820s. The Republican Party--also called the Grand Old Party, or GOP--was formed in 1854 to oppose the westward expansion of slavery.

Today, Democrats tend to believe that government has a duty to help citizens, especially the neediest. They also argue for strict regulations on worker safety, gun control, and the environment. Democrats, whose party symbol is the donkey, have elected two Presidents since 1976: Jimmy Carter and Bill Clinton.

Republicans, whose symbol is the elephant, tend to favor a less active government role in social programs. They believe that strong support of businesses will help the economy and provide more jobs--leading to increased opportunities for all citizens. Three of the last four Presidents have been Republican: Ronald Reagan, George H.W. Bush, and George W. Bush.

In election years, each party sets out its views in a platform--a document that usually reflects the views of the party's presidential nominee. This year's Democratic platform echoes Senator Kerry's call to roll back recent tax breaks for wealthy people, while cutting taxes for everyone else. The GOP platform reflects President Bush's view that everyone's taxes should be lower, regardless of income.

But people within each party hold a variety of opinions. Democrats and Republicans with strong views are often called liberal (on the political Left) or conservative (on the Right). Those in the middle are known as moderate.

Today, many people believe that the two parties are more sharply divided than ever. Indeed, public debate seems to have grown increasingly hostile and bitter. What do you think? Was Alexander Hamilton right about political parties?

ELECTION WORDS POWER BOX

* Two-party system: a type of system in which only one of two political parties has a realistic chance of winning an election.

* Liberal: a person who believes that government should take more responsibility for solving social problems.

* Conservative: a person who believes in a limited government that should act only when individuals and private groups cannot.

Third Parties

Any party other than the Democratic or Republican is called a third party. No third party has ever won the presidency since the two-party system took hold. But third parties can still have a big impact. For instance, popular third-party ideas often end up in Democratic and Republican platforms.

Also, third-party candidates can become spoilers. In 2000, Green Party candidate Ralph Nader drew thousands of votes away from Democrat Al Gore in key states like Florida. Many people say that Nader cost Gore the presidency (see "Cliffhanger," pp. 18-19). The consumer-rights activist is running once again in 2004, this time as an independent candidate.

Are You a Party Animal?

Do your views most closely match those of Democrats, Republicans, or independents? Take this quiz, then check the answer key below.

1. At a march to ban handguns, people on the sidewalk wave signs supporting gun ownership. With whom do you agree?

a. Those who want to ban guns.

b. Those who don't want to ban guns.

c. Both have some good points.

2. Many Americans cannot afford health care. Should workers be given tax breaks to help them save for medical care? Or should the government provide health care to all Americans?

a. Government should provide health care to all.

b. Workers should be given tax breaks.

c. Neither solution would work.

3. An environmental group tries to stop a logging project that would harm wildlife, but timber companies say the project is vital to keeping jobs. Which side do you favor?

a. Environmental group

b. Timber companies

c. A compromise between the two

4. Oil shortages have sent gas prices soaring. One candidate wants laws requiring more fuel-efficient cars. The other wants to drill for oil in Alaska. What would you do?

a. Pass tough efficiency standards.

b. Drill for oil to increase supply.

c. Use a combination of solutions.