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Anti-Federalists
The Anti-Federalists were a group of Americans who objected to the creation of a stronger U.S. federal government and opposed final ratification of the U.S. Constitution as approved by the Constitutional Convention in 1787. The Anti-Federalists generally preferred a government as formed in 1781 by the Articles of Confederation, which had granted the predominance of power to the state governments. -
Federalists
Following the Hamiltonian views of government, the Federalists were more a faction than a party-- they came about with a certain issue and subsided when that issue was resolved. They were very prominent during John Adams's presidency but after Thomas Jefferson was elected for his second term in 1804, they went declined greatly. After this, they faded away completely. -
Democratic-Republicans
Thomas Jefferson was the leader of this party. In 1828, when Andrew Jackson was running for office, it was shortened to the Democratic Party and they developed the donkey as their symbol. Advocating more rights for the middle class, this party favored states' rights as well as labor unions and laws that give more power to the people. They wanted as little power as possible in the hands of the federal government. -
Jacksonian Democracy
A movement for more democracy in American government in the 1830s. Led by President Andrew Jackson, this movement championed greater rights for the common man and was opposed to any signs of aristocracy in the nation. -
The Party of Lincoln (Republicans)
Abraham Lincoln was the first Republican president. Under the leadership of Lincoln and a Republican Congress, slavery was banned in the United States in 1865. The Party was generally dominant during the Third Party System and the Fourth Party System. After 1912, the Party underwent an ideological shift to the right. -
Roosevelt Democrats
In his first 100 days, Roosevelt launched an ambitious slate of federal relief programs known as the New Deal, beginning an era of Democratic dominance that would last, with few exceptions, for nearly 60 years. -
Modern Republicans
They believe private spending is usually more efficient than government spending. Republicans generally oppose the estate tax. Between the 19th century and the early 20th century, Republicans favored tariffs to protect and encourage American industry and industrial workers. -
Modern Democrats
The modern Democratic party emphasizes egalitarianism and social equality through liberalism. They support voting rights and minority rights, including LGBT rights, multiculturalism, and religious secularism.