Second Party System
Origins
1st Party System 1789-1800 of Federalists & Republicans; caucus
Virginia Dynasty 1801-1824 of Jefferson, Madison, Monroe; elite
electoral changes - "one of the most striking changes of the 19th century" was the popular election of electors; property and religious qualifications removed from suffrage; use of printed ballot.
new issues stimulated voting - national bank, antimasonry
growth of state political machines - Albany Regency of Martin Van Buren used 1821 convention to change state constitution, overthrow the Clintons, "to the victor belong the spoils" (William Marcy) - Richmond Junto of Thomas Ritchie published Richmond Enquirer - Nashville Junto of Amos Kendall promoted Jackson
"corrupt bargain" of 1825 gave election to John Q. Adams; Henry Clay became Secretary of State; Jackson began to created a new party
Democratic party elected Jackson in 1828 and 1832; elected Van Buren in 1836
Whig party developed from the National-Republicans of Henry Clay 1832-34 to oppose the Democratic-Republicans of Jackson; elected William H. Harrison 1840
new electioneering methods developed to increase voter participation - Hickory Clubs, parades, songs, lithographs
revised 1/28/02 | Modernization