The Two-Party System: Origins and Ideologies of Democrats and Republicans

ORIGINS, HISTORY & IDEOLOGY OF REPUBLICAN AND DEMOCRATIC PARTIES

COMMON GROUND: REPUBLICANISM

A form of government where leaders are elected for a specific period by citizens. Key concepts include the importance of civic virtue, universal political participation, separation of powers (to avoid corruption), and political liberty.

First Political Division: The Constitution

The first political division centered around the Constitution, highlighting the differences between Federalists and Anti-Federalists.

JEFFERSON OR HAMILTON?

At the root of two different visions regarding government and politics are two founding fathers and their views:

1. Jeffersonian View (3rd US President): Rejected the European path, favoring an agrarian democracy of small proprietors and farmers. Agriculture was seen as the backbone of the economy. Jeffersonians supported extending voting rights and opposed industrialization, taxes, a strong federal government, the Constitution as it stood, and the concentration of capital. They advocated for non-intervention in foreign conflicts, believing in influencing the world by example. Supporters of this view created the Democratic-Republican Party, founded by James Madison and Thomas Jefferson in 1792. In 1824, it became the Democratic Party and produced four presidents. It stands as the oldest political party in the United States.
2. Alexander Hamilton's View (1st US Secretary of State): Believed that Jefferson's ideas would lead to chaos and anarchy. Hamilton supported voting limitations and believed individual rights should be restricted to maintain order. He advocated for the growth of industries and trade, increased taxes, tariffs on foreign goods to encourage American-made products, and state intervention in the economy (including a Central Bank). He also supported the creation of a regular army and navy. His supporters formed the Federalist Party in 1795, which held elitist views and favored strong relations with Great Britain. The party dissolved in 1828.

BIRTH OF THE DEMOCRATIC & REPUBLICAN PARTIES

Both parties share values (strong economy, equal rights, peace through strong defense) but differ on government intervention. Democrats generally favor intervention while Republicans tend to oppose it.

The Republican Party emerged from the Whig Party (1836-1852), which dissolved as slavery became a central political issue. Abraham Lincoln became the first Republican president in 1860.

After the Civil War, Democrats made inroads in the South. The 1896 election marked a turning point, with Democrats becoming the party of the South and border states, while Republicans dominated in cities and among industrialists. From the 1960s onward, the South shifted towards the Republican Party (with Nixon's Southern Strategy), while the North trended Democratic, driven by social issues like civil rights, gay rights, and anti-war sentiment.

POLITICAL IDEOLOGIES IN THE US

Modern Liberalism & Progressivism

Modern liberalism is based on the principle that all humans are equal in their right to freedom and opportunity. It champions causes like African American rights and social justice. Welfare liberals believe the government should support those in need. While pro-capitalism, they support a regulated market and government spending on education. This ideology is directly related to progressivism, an intellectual movement (1890-1920) emphasizing freedom, the common good, government commitment to public needs, equality, social justice, democracy, and cooperation in global affairs.

Conservatism

Conservatism encompasses various forms, including fiscal, cultural, social, and neoconservatism.

Libertarianism

Libertarianism, with its emphasis on individual liberty and limited government, presents a distinct ideological approach.

Why a Two-Party System?

Several factors contribute to the dominance of the two-party system:

• Most Americans align with one of the two major parties.
• Independent voters often lack organization.
• The winner-take-all election system hinders third parties.
• Running for office is expensive, posing a significant barrier for smaller parties with limited funding.