History of the Two Party System

Nation’s First PartiesOriginally Formed around the issue of Constitutional ratification and carried into the 1800s

Federalists(Pro-Ratification)- led by Alexander Hamilton and advocated a liberal interpretation of the Constitution

Democratic-Republicans(old Anti-Federalists)- led by Thomas Jefferson and followed strict interpretation

The Era of the Democrats(1800-1860)

During this time:Federalist dissolved(1816)

Democrats split into factions• Whigs, led by Henry Clay and Daniel Webster

• Democrats, led by Andrew Jackson

Rise of the Republicans

The disagreements that led to the Civil War became really heated during the 1850s.

The leaders of the Whigs had died and the party died with them

Democrats divided again(pro vs. anti-slavery)

Republican party formed to challenge for power

Era of the Republicans(1860-1932)

Lincoln was the first Republican.

1912, their power was challenged when Teddy Roosevelt was denied the Repub. Ticket. He split Republican votes from Taft when he formed the Bull Moose Party(Woodrow Wilson won)

Return of the Democrats(1932-1968)

Franklin Roosevelt was elected to four consecutive terms.