The Second Party System, which emerged in the United States in the 1830s, was a political system characterized by the Whig Party and the Democratic Party. It was the second major party system in American history, following the First Party System which was dominated by the Federalists and Democratic-Republicans. The Second Party System was a time of great political upheaval and change, with new issues such as slavery and the expansion of the United States taking center stage.
The Winning Second Party System Structure in APUSH
In the early years of the United States, the Second Party System dominated American politics. As you prepare for your APUSH exam, understanding the structure of this system is crucial. Here’s a breakdown:
Political Parties
- The parties were relatively loosely organized, with few formal structures or ideologies.
- They were more like coalitions of individuals and factions with shared interests.
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The two dominant parties were:
- Democratic Party: Led by Andrew Jackson, it represented common people, farmers, and laborers.
- Whig Party: Represented business interests, merchants, and manufacturers.
Key Issues
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The Second Party System revolved around several key issues:
- Sectionalism: Differences between the North and South, particularly over slavery and tariffs.
- Banking and Finance: Democrats opposed the National Bank, while Whigs supported it.
- Internal Improvements: Democrats favored federal funding for roads and canals, while Whigs were more cautious.
- Foreign Policy: The annexation of Texas and the Mexican-American War were major points of contention.
Political Landscape
- The country was deeply divided along political lines, with different regions supporting different parties.
- The South was largely Democratic, while the North and West were more contested.
- Elections were highly competitive and often close.
Electoral Process
- Elections were held every four years for president and vice president.
- Voters used the electoral college system to cast ballots for candidates.
- The candidate with the majority of electoral votes won the presidency.
Characteristics of the Second Party System
| Characteristic | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Coalitions: Loosely organized groups with shared interests that formed the parties. | |
| Sectionalism: Regional differences shaped political affiliations. | |
| Key Issues: Specific issues like slavery and banking drove political debates. | |
| Competitive Elections: Elections were often close and hard-fought. | |
| Limited Government: Both parties generally favored a limited role for the federal government. |
Question 1:
What is the definition of a second party system in American history?
Answer:
A second party system is a political system in which two major political parties dominate the electoral process, with smaller parties playing a minor role.
Question 2:
How did the second party system develop in the United States?
Answer:
The second party system emerged in the early 19th century as a result of the rise of mass politics and the decline of the Federalist Party. Two major parties, the Democratic-Republicans and the National Republicans, emerged from the remnants of the previous party system.
Question 3:
What was the significance of the second party system?
Answer:
The second party system played a crucial role in shaping the development of American democracy. It provided a framework for political competition, fostered the growth of political parties, and contributed to the expansion of voter participation.
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