Political Parties: Presented by Election Junkie

Democratic Party

2009-02-08T09:15:00.000-08:00

Chairman: Tim Kaine

The Democratic Party is the oldest continuous party in the United States, and remains among the oldest in the world. Most relate the current party to the Demcratic-Republican Party of Thomas Jefferson (formally called Republicans), that was founded by Jefferson, future President James Madison and other top leaders of the era.

At the time, it's main opposition was the Federalist Party, a party held by the likes of Alexander Hamilton, John Adams, and was normally sided with George Washington, who held no political party. Although intially in the minority at the start of the United States goverment, the Democratic-Republicans quickly took control of both houses of congress in 1801 and later would also dominate the presidency.

The party changed dramically over the next twenty years as Andrew Jackson took the helm. As a result of his positions on slavery, immigration, and the national bank, a new opposing party was created called the Whig Party. Depite many presidents and big wins for the the party, Democrats dominated the polical spectrum until the Republican party was formed as a remenat of remaining whigs and a certain wing of Democrats.

Over the next 150 years, the party has been up and down. Some of the famous Democratic presidents of the modern party include Franklin Roosevelt, John Kennedy, Bill Clinton, and recently Barack Obama, the first African-American president. As of 2008, the Democrats hold signifigant control in the house, senate, and now even the presidency, a far cry from just 4 years ago.

Republican Party

2009-02-08T09:11:00.000-08:00

Chairman: Michael Steele

The Republican Party, often referred to as the Grand Old Party, was created in 1854, as a formation of fromer Whigs, Know-Nothing Party, Federalist, and anti-slavery Democrats. The party was directly formed in response to the Kansas-Nebraska Act that was meant to furter slavery in the Kansas territory.

The true rise of the Republican Party occured in 1860, when Abraham Lincoln suprisingly defeated a split Democratic Party. He won the election despite not being on the ballot in most southern states. Lincoln also had to battle Radical Republican nominee, John Fremont, who dropped out of the race to ensure Repbulican victory.

Like the Democratic Party, the party was up and down many years having resurgences during the William McKinley presidency, the fallout after being credited with the Great Depression, to another resurgence during the 1990s.

After the 2004 elections, Republicans dominated the Senate, House, and still claimed the presidency, but that would quickly change. Due to increased frustration from the Iraq War and Corruption issues, the Democrats surged back into power in 2006. The Republicans would ultimately lose the presidency in 2008, and sink further behind in congress. However, the influence of the party continues to be strong, and one would expect their luck to change in the future. Former greats from this party include: Abe Lincoln, Teddy Roosevelt, and Ronald Reagan.

Constitution Party

2009-02-08T09:07:00.000-08:00

What the Green Party is for Liberals, is what the Constitution Party is for Conservatives.

Formed as the Taxpayers Party in 1992 (changed to Constitution in 1999), the party had little success at any level over the years. However, they having been rising significantly lately, and many in the party now claim that they are the falsest growing third party in the Nation.

Pat Bucannon flirted with a run for the party in 1996, however he later endorsed Bob Doyle after selecting a pro-life candidate.

The party has a strong stance against gay marriage, abortion, and immigration and the party hopes to garner a large amount of support with these topics. Recently, as far as members go, the Constitution Party is now the third largest party in the United States.

Libertarian Party

2009-02-08T09:01:00.000-08:00

The Libertarian Party was founded in 1971, and for many years enjoyed being known as the largest third party in American. However, the Constitution Party now holds that title. Still, it has over 200,000 members nationwide, and it's 2008 candidate Bob Barr received a moderate amount of votes, and received larger amounts than both the Green and Constitution Parties.

They have achieved ballot access in 50 states three times since the parties creation, however, they have not received it in the past three elections.
Many people associate the belief system of the Libertarian party with the Laissze-Faire type of Government. Libertarians often believe in the legalization of Gay Marriage, civil liberties, and economic freedom.

In a way they are both Liberals and Conservatives, with far liberal views on personal freedom and Conservative when it comes to economic practices.

Green Party

2009-02-08T08:50:00.000-08:00

The Green party growing third party in the nation, and was made famous by the candidacy of Ralph Nader in 2000, who received nearly 3% of the vote, and many say swung the election in favor of George W. Bush. The party is known for being heavily Liberal, and often are in support of groups such as moveon.org.

Ever since their suprising rise in power, they have enjoyed moderate lower level success, however the highest ranking member was John Elder, who was part of the Maine House of Repersenatives until his defeat in 2006.

Their grass roots beliefs include non-violence, decentralization, gender equality, and diversity. They gained ballot access in 31 state in 2008 receiving 0.12% of the vote.