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Federalists
Political party that advocated for a strong central government and favored ratification. Stressed the weakness of the Articles of Confederation. They argued that the many difficulties facing the Republic could be over come by the creation of new government based on the Constitution and liberties that could be included in a bill of rights are covered in the State constitutions. -
Anti-Federalists
Political party that opposed ratification. They worried that the presidency could become a monarchy, that Congress would become too powerful, the States would no longer have the power to print money. They believed there should be a bill of rights. -
Democratic-Republicans
Political Party of the early 19th century favoring a strict interpretation of the Constitution to restrict the powers of the federal government and emphasizing states' rights. -
Jacksonian Democrats
A coalition of small farmers, debtors, frontier pioneers, and slaveholders. They produced three fundamental changes in the nation's political landscape: voting rights for all white males, a huge increase in the number of elected offices around the country, and the spread of the spoils system. -
The Party of Lincoln (Republicans)
Political Party with coalition opposing the extension of slavery into Western territories. Fought to protect the rights of African Americans after the Civil War. -
Roosevelt Democrats
Electoral base built largely of southerners, small farmers, organized labor, and big-city political organizations. Roosevelt's ideas of revolutionary economic and social welfare programs further strengthened that coalition. -
Modern Republicans
Believe in conservatism which involves support for free market capitalism, free enterprise, business, a strong national defense, deregulation, restrictions on labor unions, social-conservative policies, and traditional values, usually with a Christian foundation. -
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.