The American Party System Pre-Civil War

PARTISAN POLITICS

        I. SECOND AMERICAN PARTY SYSTEM

          A. Democrats (Support Andrew Jackson)

                  a. Martin Van Buren

                      1. In order to get support, you need to pursue policies the people want.

                      2. Thinks political parties are good for the government

                      3. Also are good for the system of checks and balances

                  b. Want more liberty

                  c. Stronger in the South

          B. Whigs (Oppose Andrew Jackson)

                  a. Leaders of the Whig Party: Henry Clay (Main Whig), Daniel Webster, John Quincy Adams (JQA returns to Congress after his 1 term as president)

                  b. Henry Clay’s American System

                      1. Protective Tariff

                      2. National Bank

                      3. Internal Improvements

                  c. Stronger in the North

      II. ELECTION OF 1836

          A. Van Buren was the Democratic candidate

          B. Whigs can’t decide who to have for a candidate so they nominate two men and their votes are split

          C. Van Buren wins

      III. VAN BUREN’S PRESIDENCY

          A. Panic of 1837

                  a. Caused from Andrew Jackson’s lack of economic skills

                  b. Causes Van Buren’s presidency to be completely overshadowed by economic crisis

      IV. THE LOG CABIN CAMPAIGN AND THE ELECTION OF 1840

          A. Whigs realize they need a presidential candidate

                  a. Model their candidate after Andrew Jackson

                      1. Looks good in uniform

                      2. No political background so no political enemies

                      3. Keeps mouth shut while campaigning

          B. William Henry Harrison

                  a. Nominated for presidency because he fits the Jackson characteristics

          C. John Tyler...