Since the administration of George Washington, two political parties have dominated the United States political system. However, the same two parties have not always been the only existing parties. Over the years, the American two party political system has grown into what it is now. Unfortunately, the rise of political parties has caused a negative influence on elections.

The first of the two parties were the Federalists and Anti-Federalists. The Federalists were those who supported a strong federal government. The leaders of the Federalists were Alexander Hamilton and John Adams. Both men were from the Northeast, where the Federalist line of thinking was the strongest (Barron's G10). The Anti-Federalists, on the other hand, were those who did not support a strong federal government. Thomas Jefferson became the leader of the Anti-Federalists. Thomas Jefferson formed his Anti-Federalist followers and they became known as the Jeffersonian Republicans. This organization of the Federalist opposition in the election of 1800 is what is known as the Revolution of 1800. The Federalists feared the Jeffersonians were out to undermine the government, while Jefferson's party felt the s

Furthermore, the Great Depression of the 1930's had a powerful influence on American politics. The economic disaster helped Franklin D. Roosevelt, a Democrat, get elected as President in 1932 (Carnegie 21). His first administration developed what has been called the New Deal coalition. Because of the New Deal social programs, millions of Americans were attracted to the Democratic Party. Blacks, whose loyalty had been with the Republicans since the days of Lincoln, shifted their support to the Democratic Party (25).

Mayer, Jeffrey. American History in the Blink of an Eye. Simon and Schuster.

While this uncertainty was taking place, a social force greater than party loyalty was beginning to reshape American politics. The slavery issue, with the passions it aroused in the North and the South, gradually compelled a realignment of parties. For instance, the Whigs party began to split in 1852. This was a direct result of the deep split in opinion over slavery. During the next few years most Southern Whigs joined the Democrats. Northern Whigs joined northern anti-slavery Democrats. In 1854, groups of northern men against slavery urged the creation of a new political party opposed to the continuation of slavery. This party has become today's Republicans (Mayer 22-25).

The New Deal coalition diminished, but did not destroy Republican power. Beginning with the election of Dwight D. Eisenhower in 1952, the Republicans regained much of the public loyalty that was lost during the New Deal years. In 1980, Ronald Reagan, the Republican nominee was elected President (Barron's 88-89). However, Bill Clinton, a Democrat, has served the last two terms as President. The question is who will win the next elec

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