Political Parties Dbq

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A political party is an organized group that elects their members to office in hopes to influence government. Organizing and simplifying the political world and policy debates, provides guidance for both politicians and citizens, making political parties a very important aspect in regards to the American political system. The government is forced by political parties to be concerned with its citizen’s needs, therefore, parties play a significant role in making sure that the public voice is heard in decision/policy making, and getting citizens to vote. Identifying oneself with or supporting a specific party is known as partisanship. Therefore, when an individual chooses one political party, they are being partisan. Individuals usually become …show more content…

During the 1830s, groups that were opposing Jackson united to form a new political force called the Whig Party. The Democrats were supporters of Thomas Jefferson, favored rural farmers, and favored free trade against tariffs. The Whigs were strong in the Northeast and among merchants, and the emphasized candidates’ personal qualities. Support for the Whig party was stronger in the Northeast than in the SOuth and West and stronger among merchants than among small farmers. In some measure, the Whigs were the successors of the Federalists. Conflicts between the two parts revolved more around personalities than policies. The Whigs were a diverse group united more by opposition to the Democrats than by agreement on programs. Their campaign carefully avoided issues - since they could agree on almost none - and emphasized the personal qualities and heroism of the can didateds. THey las invested heavily in campaign rallies and entertainment to win the hearts, if not exactly the minds, of the voters. Both the Democrats and the Whigs build party organizations throughout the nation, and both south to enlarge their bases of support by expanding the right to vote. They increased the number of eligible voters through the elimination of property restrictions and other barriers to voting - at least voting by white

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