Second Party System

Definition

The Second Party System refers to the political landscape in the United States from the 1820s to the 1850s, characterized primarily by the rivalry between the Democratic Party and the Whig Party. This period was marked by intense political competition and mobilization of voters, which laid the groundwork for later political realignments, including the divisions that ultimately led to the Civil War. The system saw significant shifts in political ideologies and regional alignments, impacting major events such as the Election of 1860 and subsequent secession movements.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Second Party System emerged after the collapse of the First Party System, which consisted mainly of Federalists and Democratic-Republicans.
2. The Democratic Party dominated much of the Second Party System, especially under the leadership of figures like Andrew Jackson who appealed to the common man.
3. The Whig Party formed in opposition to the Democrats in the 1830s, coalescing around issues like opposition to Jackson's policies and support for economic modernization.
4. The increasing polarization between Democrats and Whigs foreshadowed sectional tensions, especially over issues like slavery, which would come to a head in the Election of 1860.
5. The failure of both parties to effectively address slavery and sectional conflict contributed to their eventual breakdown and the rise of new political movements leading up to the Civil War.

Review Questions

• How did the competition between the Democratic Party and the Whig Party during the Second Party System shape American political culture?
  • The rivalry between Democrats and Whigs during the Second Party System significantly shaped American political culture by fostering a sense of partisan identity among voters. This competition mobilized large numbers of citizens to engage in politics, leading to higher voter turnout and more passionate political discourse. The differences in their platforms—Democrats advocating for agrarian interests and individual liberties while Whigs promoted modernization and federal involvement—reflected broader societal debates that resonated deeply with various voter blocs across regions.
• Analyze how sectionalism influenced the dynamics of the Second Party System and contributed to its decline.
  • Sectionalism played a critical role in influencing the dynamics of the Second Party System by exacerbating divisions between Northern and Southern interests. As issues such as slavery became increasingly polarizing, both parties struggled to maintain cohesion among their members. The Democratic Party found itself divided over pro-slavery and anti-slavery factions, while the Whig Party could not reconcile its support for Northern industrialization with Southern agrarian values. This growing sectional tension ultimately led to a fracture in both parties as they were unable to effectively address or unify around these critical issues.
• Evaluate the significance of the Election of 1860 in relation to the collapse of the Second Party System and its impact on American society.
  • The Election of 1860 marked a pivotal moment in American history as it signaled the collapse of the Second Party System due to irreconcilable differences over slavery. The emergence of Abraham Lincoln as a candidate for a newly formed Republican Party highlighted deep-seated sectional divides, as he represented Northern interests while being vehemently opposed by Southern Democrats. Lincoln's victory without any Southern electoral votes led to widespread discontent in the South, prompting several states to secede from the Union. This election not only underscored the failure of existing political structures to address escalating tensions but also set into motion events that would lead directly to the Civil War.

Related terms

Democratic Party: A political party formed in the early 19th century that emerged from the Democratic-Republican Party, advocating for agrarian interests, states' rights, and expansionism.

Whig Party: A political party active in the mid-19th century that opposed the policies of President Andrew Jackson and supported modernization, infrastructure development, and a strong central government.

Sectionalism: A term used to describe the growing divide between different regions of the U.S., particularly between the North and South, based on economic, social, and political differences.