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Constitution
The Constitution of the United States is ratified, and although political parties are not mentioned, the American party system is born. -
Democratic Party
The first Democratic Party was founded by Andrew Jackson which included small farmers, debtors, frontier pioneers, and slaveholders. -
Republican Party
The first Republican Party was founded in Ripon, Wisconsin, former members of the Whig Party meet to establish a new party to oppose the spread of slavery into the western territories and the “tyranny” of President Andrew Jackson. -
The Great Depression
The Great Depression had a massive impact on nearly all aspects of American life including the political landscape. -
Realignment Period
The New Deal coalition that emerged was based on bringing together into the Democratic party urban workers, northern blacks, southern whites, and Jewish voters. This realignment occurred suddenly and there was a great shift of black voters to the Democratic party after the election of Roosevelt. Before this, the majority of blacks had been heavily Republican because the Republicans ended slavery. -
Independent Party
The Independent Party was first led by George Wallace, a strong supporter of segregation. They look to better public education and want to put an end to corporate crime and fraud. -
Divided Government
After the Nixon vs Humphrey election neither party consistently holds presidency, and Congress is often controlled by the opposing party.
