United States Two Party system

  • Federalists

    Believed the articles of Confederation were too weak.
    Only a stronger national government can over come the difficulties the Republic faces.
    Liberties that could be included in a bill of rights are covered in the State constitutions
  • Anti-Federalists

    Believed the States would no longer have the power to print money.
    The national government would be given too much power.
    There should be a bill of rights.
  • Era of Democrats 1800-1860

    Thomas Jefferson is elected President, ushering in an era of Democratic domination that lasted until the Civil War.
  • Era of Democrats 1800-1860

    President Andrew Jackson's Democratic Party includes small farmers, debtors, frontier pioneers, and slaveholders
  • Era of Democrats 1800-1860

    The Republican Party is born, attracting many former Whigs and antislavery Democrats
  • Era of Republicans 1860-1932

    The election of Abraham Lincoln and the start of the Civil War mark the beginning of 75 of Republican Party supremacy.
  • Beginning Era of Democrats 1932-1968

    The depression brings about a shift in the role of government and, led by FDR, a return of the Democrats to power.
  • End Beginning Era of Democrats 1932-1968

  • Period: to

    Era of Divided Government, 1968-Today

    From this election on, neither party consistently holds the presidency, and congress is often controlled by the opposing party.