Historical Political Parties in the U.S.
- Democratic-Republican Party
“Early political party in the U.S., originally led by Thomas Jefferson and James Madison; it was the forerunner of the present-day Democratic party, which name it formally adopted in 1828. When the party was originally conceived in the 1790s to oppose the Federalist party, it was known simply as the Republican party (but should not be confused with the modern party of that name). Originally known as the Anti-Federalist party.”
“Democratic-Republican Party,” history.com (accessed Dec. 7, 2007) - Federalist Party
“American political party of the late 18th and early 19th centuries. It originated in the groups advocating the creation of a stronger national government after 1781. The Federalist party’s early leaders included Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, and George Washington. By 1824 the Federalists had ceased to function as an effective political organization.”
“Federalist Party,” history.com (accessed Dec. 7, 2007) - Anti-Federalist Party
Short-lived party organized to oppose the Federalist party; later transitioned into the Democratic-Republican party (current-day Democratic Party). The Anti-federalists’ major contribution to U.S. history was pushing for the passage of the Bill of Rights. Major leaders included George Clinton, Thomas Jefferson and Aaron Burr. - National Republican Party
“The National Republican Party emerged from…the supporters of the administration of President John Quincy Adams. It controlled the Congress of 1825-1827 only, then lost the Presidency in 1828. The party merged into the Whig Party in 1834.”
“National-Republican Party,” ourcampaigns.com (accessed Dec. 7, 2007) - Whig Party
“The Whig Party formed out of the National Republican Party… The Whigs believed in a ‘loose construction’ of the Constitution which included supporting big government with a national bank and the congressional regulation of the expansion of slavery. [Later] the Republican Party absorbed anti-slavery Whigs.”
“Political Party Timeline,” pbs.org (accessed Dec. 7, 2007) - Constitutional Union Party
“Short-lived political party formed chiefly of the remnants of the Know-Nothings, the southern wing of the Whig party, and other southern groups…The party’s formation was prompted by the desire to muster popular sentiment for the Union and against southern secession…The strength of the party, coupled with the split between the northern and southern sections of the Democratic party, contributed to the victory of Abraham Lincoln, the Republican presidential candidate. Following the 1860 campaign the Constitutional Union party was dissolved.”
“Constitutional Union Party,” history.com (accessed Dec. 7, 2007)
