Whigs Vs. Democrats

By: Jason

Origins

• Both the Democratic and Whig parties originated from the Democratic-Republican Party that dominated politics in the early 1800s.

• Both were factions that branched off from the Democratic-Republicans after the 1824 elections.

Importance

• This rivalry between parties was important because it started the Second Party System that we have in America today.

Democrats

• The Democratic Party was founded in 1828 and is the same party that exists today.

• Andrew Jackson was the party’s first major leader.

Democratic Ideals

• Democrats were in favor of states’ rights and did not like the federal government’s involvement in social and economic affairs.

• They were against the Protective Tariff and the national bank, which Jackson worked to bring down.

Democratic Ideals

• They glorified the individual and believed everyone could hold office.

• Democrats also favored rapid territorial and external growth.

• They supported the Mexican War.

• Democrats still thought the ideal citizen was a regular farmer who made a living off the land.

Whigs

• The Whig Party was active from 1833 to 1856, when it broke into even more factions.

• In the beginning, the party was held together by an opposition of Jackson.

• Important members include Daniel Webster, Henry Clay, William Henry Harrison, and Zachary Taylor.

Whig Ideals

• The Whigs were in favor of a stronger federal government that was dominated by Congress.

• They supported the Protective Tariff and the national bank.

• Believed in the natural harmony of society and the value of community.

Whig Ideals

• Whigs were industrialists and nationalists, more common in the north.

• They were in favor of gradual territorial expansion and internal improvements, like public schools and transportation.

• Eventually, the Whig Party branched off into the Free Soil Party, the Know-Nothing Party, and the modern Republican Party.