The Two Party System Matt McCroskey 2 nd period APUSH Mr. Fisher
Jan 14, 2016
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