Political Parties

Origins (to 1800)
Antifederalist-
1) The antifederalist party was characterized by the belief that the main threat to the country was the government being able to become to powerful.
2) People who considered themselves antifederalist, were mainly farmers and those low in society. These were the people who would suffer if the government became corrupt as it had in Britain.

Federalist-
1) Federalists believed that citizens needed a strong central government, with only a few in charge.
2) Members of the federalist party consisted of high class bankers, businessmen, and land owners.

(1800-1860)
Democrats-
1)Early democrats main goal was to defend the Working class or common citizen.
2)People whom cared about the rights of the working class or common person was a Democrat.

Whigs-
1)The whigs supported the lifestyle of their home country, Britain. The believed that the democracy's executive branch should be replaced with congress.
2) Rich people, high class, land owners.

(1860-1932)
Democrats-
1)They wanted states to be able to have their own rights,and make their own decisions.
2)Southern states for slavery.
Republicans-
1) The republicans at this time were focused on slowing the spread of slavery and abolishing it.
2) People in the northern states whom were against slavery.

(1932-1968)
Democrats-
1)They were geared toward civil rights, causing them to lose many of their southern supporters.
2)people who cared about the rights of African Americans.
Republicans-
1)Remained the antislavery party.
2)anti slavery activists.