American Political Parties Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

American Political Parties - Research Paper Example Northern anti-slavery modernizers and activists founded the Republican Party in 1854 .The party became prominent in 1860 when Abraham Lincoln was elected into office and made use of the party’s machinery to facilitate winning of the American Civil War. Consequently, on the eve of the 3rd Party System that is from 1854 to 1896 the party controlled national politics as well as the 4th Party System (1896-1932).At present, GOP is in support of an American conservative policy, having more foundations in social conservatism, fiscal conservatism and economic liberalism (Noel,2014). The Democratic Party on the other hand is another main political party in America and happens to be the oldest party worldwide. It has been fighting head on with the Republican Party since 1854.Starting 1912; the Democratic Party has effectively situated itself as the liberal party tackling domestic issues. Much of the Democratic Party’s agenda has been shaped by Franklin D. Roosevelt’s economic philosophy which has had a strong influence on contemporary American liberalism from 1932.The White House was under the control of New Deal coalition of Roosevelt, until 1968, the exception being only the period from 1953-1961which was under Eisenhower. Generally, liberals have been center-left, supporting social progressivism, social justice, the welfare state and a mixed economy (Schaffner, 2012). The 2004 US presidential election was conducted onTuesday, 2nd November and incumbent President George W. Bush of Republican Party defeated his Democratic Party rival, John Kerry-a Massachusetts junior senator by then. Republican Party nominated Bush together with the then Vice President Dick Cheney. The dominant theme through the entire electioneering period was foreign policy especially the War on Terrorism spearheaded by Bush as well as the consequences of 2003 Iraq invasion. The Republican presidential nominee was John McCain for 2008 presidential nominee after obtaining 1191 delegates