The Two Party System

Matt McCroskey2nd period APUSH

Mr. Fisher

Intro/background

Most subtantial change after 1840 election Two party system couldn't have occurred during

era of good feelings Jeffersonians did such a good job of absorbing

opposition into democratic republican partyg Whigs wanted to break away from Jacksonian

policies Jackson's stretching of power turned off Whigs,

needed to create a separte, strong party e.g. removal of national bank, Indian Removal Act, etc.

Democrats Vs. Whigs -Ideas rooted in Democratic Republican party

Democrats Wanted to protect

patronage State's rights,

limited federal gov't Usually lower

income

Whigs Promoted community values, co-

operation

Willing to use gov't to realize objectives

Federal Rights

Renewed national bank, public schools, internal improvements, etc.

Moral Reforms

Prohibition, abolishing slavery

Usually more prosperous

Similarities between the 2 parties

Both were “Catchall” parties Tried to get as many voters to vote for their specific

cause Commanded voters from all social classes

Social Diversity within the parties

Geological diversity prevented sectionalism Both parties spread across whole country Temporarily prevented issue of slavery

Extremely powerful parties that would stay around until before the civil war