Question

Describe the roots and original party platforms of todays present Democratic and Republican political parties.

Answer 1

The Democratic Party, although it had existed from the time of the framing as the Democratic-Republican party, headed more or less by Thomas Jefferson, was reformulated by Andrew Jackson in the 1820s, and its core principles were a deep distrust of cultural or fiscal aristocracy, central government, fiat money and large banks. It was strongly populist, strongly in favor of exploitation of the Western frontier and natural resources generally, and generally strongly racist, with an abiding contempt for Native Americans, foreign immigrants, and blacks. The Republican Party was founded from the ashes of the Whigs in the 1850s, and its first important leader was Abraham Lincoln, elected President in 1860s. Its core principles were a "frontiersman" self-reliance, ecological conservationism, support for small business, a neutrality towards large business and government, and a strong support for the civil rights of immigrants, Native Americans, and blacks. Of course, over time each party has evolved considerably.