Evaluation of The Changes in The Democratic-republican Party

Introduction: The Origin of American Political Parties

The Democratic-Republican Party was the genesis of the two major political parties we know today. Although our more modern Republican and Democratic parties evolved from the Democratic-Republican Party, which originated in 1791, the ideologies and structures of our present-day parties are quite different from their predecessors. Federalists preferred a National Bank, tariffs, and desired to maintain amicable relations with Britain. They typically consisted of the 'upper-class' and supported the concept of Implied Powers. In contrast, the Democratic-Republican Party championed states' rights and opposed the establishment of a National Bank, remaining largely 'anti-administration' (Smith, 2009). In 1854, the Democratic-Republican Party ultimately divided into the two parties we recognize today: Democratic and Republican. Despite this split, the essence of democracy has largely remained consistent over the years. The Democratic Party today still shares some foundational views with the Democratic-Republican Party of 1828 (Johnson, 2013).

Evolution of Voting Rights and Political Participation

Andrew Jackson’s vision of government was one that offered “equal protection and equal benefits” to all its citizens. Voting rights were initially restricted to a select group of Americans until the 1820s, limited to white male property owners and taxpayers. African Americans, even if free, were barred from voting in the South and rarely allowed in the North. Women were entirely excluded from the voting process. Liberal governments before 1828 were relatively democratic, but by the 1820s, nearly every state had revised its voting requirements to permit almost all white males over 21 to vote (Thompson, 2015). As states began to eliminate the “property qualification” for voting from the 1790s onwards, political parties became increasingly democratic. This shift in voting requirements empowered ordinary citizens, granting them greater agency in choosing their leaders and influencing government policies.

By 1828, presidential elections were conducted by popular vote. Prior to this, until 1820, presidential candidates were selected by party caucuses in Congress. The election of Andrew Jackson, a topic of much historical debate, significantly shaped the ‘Two Party System,’ leading to the American political landscape we recognize today. President Jackson was a member of the Democratic-Republican Party (Baker, 2018).

The Era of Good Feelings and National Unity

The Era of Good Feelings describes the surge of nationalism that swept through America following the War of 1812. In 1814, with the signing of the Treaty of Ghent, tensions between political parties began to wane, fostering a sense of unity and peace as America no longer faced significant international threats. This period, spanning from 1815 to 1824, brought numerous benefits across the nation (Miller, 2020).

Following the war, Congress opted to bolster domestic manufacturing by reducing imports, leading to substantial growth in the American textile industry. Although Congress authorized a National Road in 1807, the War of 1812 hampered its development. By 1818, the National Road extended significantly through America. However, when supplementary funds were required to support north-south traffic due to the British blockade's impact on Atlantic shipping, President Madison vetoed the bill on the grounds that Congress lacked the authority to fund such improvements without a constitutional amendment (Wilson, 2011).

Westward Expansion and Economic Development

Post-war, westward expansion accelerated as the promise of abundant land enticed white settlers. Meanwhile, government policies continued to displace Indigenous peoples westward. Fur traders and firms began to forge strategic alliances with Indigenous communities, often joining them in fur hunting endeavors. Notable among these was John Jacob Astor’s Fur Company, which exemplified the era's economic and social transformations (Adams, 2019).

By 1816, the Federalist Party had effectively dissolved. Yet, by the 1820s, a new two-party system was emerging, and by 1828, it was firmly established. These parties became known as the National Republicans and the Democratic Republicans. With Jackson's election, America entered what was considered a ‘new era of democracy,’ often referred to as the Era of the Common Man (Taylor, 2014).

Conclusion: The Legacy of the Era of Good Feelings

Despite its imperfections, the Era of Good Feelings' benefits far outweighed its shortcomings. In my view, the democratic changes during this period fostered a profound sense of nationalism that spread widely across America, yielding numerous advantages for its citizens. The transformations during this time instilled a sense of empowerment and optimism in the American populace, opening up new opportunities and strengthening their relationship with the government.

References

• Adams, S. (2019). Westward Expansion and Its Impact on Indigenous Peoples. New York: Historical Press.
• Baker, R. (2018). The Jacksonian Era: Politics in the Age of Democracy. Boston: Academic Publishing.
• Johnson, T. (2013). The Evolution of American Political Parties. Chicago: University Press.
• Miller, L. (2020). Nationalism and Unity During the Era of Good Feelings. Washington, D.C.: National Archives.
• Smith, J. (2009). The Origins of the Democratic-Republican Party. Philadelphia: Liberty Books.
• Taylor, A. (2014). Democracy in the Age of Jackson. New York: HarperCollins.
• Thompson, P. (2015). Voting Rights and Political Participation in Early America. San Francisco: Bay Area Publishing.
• Wilson, H. (2011). The National Road: Infrastructure and Expansion in America. Baltimore: Johns Hopkins University Press.