The Democratic Party of the United States is organized.

The Democratic Party stands as one of the two principal contemporary political parties in the United States, playing a central role in the nation's political discourse and governance. Tracing its origins to 1828 with the ardent supporters of Andrew Jackson, it holds the distinguished title of being the world's oldest continuously active political party. For over a century and a half, specifically since the 1860s, its primary political adversary has been the Republican Party, forming the bedrock of the American two-party system.

Historical Evolution and Ideological Shifts

The Democratic Party's philosophy has undergone significant transformations throughout its long history, adapting to the changing needs and challenges of the nation.

Foundational Principles (Pre-1860)

Prior to the seismic shifts of the 1860s, the Democratic Party largely championed a philosophy of limited federal government intervention and staunch support for state sovereignty. This era, often associated with "Jacksonian Democracy," emphasized the power of the common man and sought to limit the influence of elite institutions. Key policy stances included a strong opposition to a national bank, which Andrew Jackson famously dismantled, arguing it concentrated too much power in the hands of a few and favored commercial interests over agricultural ones. The party also generally opposed high tariffs, viewing them as detrimental to the agrarian South and beneficial primarily to Northern industrial interests. However, these foundational principles were deeply challenged and ultimately fractured by the escalating tensions over slavery. The party tragically split along regional lines in 1860, with Northern and Southern factions nominating different presidential candidates, a division that contributed directly to the outbreak of the Civil War. This profound schism and its aftermath significantly weakened the party's national standing, leading to a period where it won the presidency only twice between 1860 and 1910.

Rebuilding and Reform (Late 19th & Early 20th Centuries)

In the late 19th century, the Democratic Party continued its opposition to high tariffs, reflecting its base's economic interests, and grappled with fierce internal debates over monetary policy, most notably the contentious gold standard. Proponents of "free silver," such as William Jennings Bryan, argued for bimetallism to increase the money supply and help indebted farmers, while others favored a strict gold standard to ensure financial stability. As the nation entered the early 20th century, the party embraced many tenets of the Progressive Era, supporting significant reforms aimed at regulating corporate power, protecting workers' rights, and expanding democratic participation. The party also voiced strong opposition to imperialism, reflecting a desire to focus on domestic issues and avoid foreign entanglements. This era saw a resurgence of Democratic influence, culminating in Woodrow Wilson's victories in the 1912 and 1916 presidential elections, where he implemented his "New Freedom" agenda focusing on antitrust laws, tariff reform, and the establishment of the Federal Reserve System.

The New Deal and the Rise of Modern Liberalism (Post-1932)

A pivotal transformation occurred after 1932 with Franklin D. Roosevelt's election and the advent of his New Deal coalition. This era fundamentally redefined the Democratic Party's ideology, shifting it towards what is now known as a socially liberal platform. The New Deal marked a significant expansion of the federal government's role in the economy and social welfare, introducing programs like Social Security, unemployment insurance, and various public works initiatives designed to combat the Great Depression. This ambitious agenda attracted robust support, forming a broad coalition that included recent European immigrants, many of whom were Catholics concentrated in urban centers, as well as labor unions, farmers, African Americans, and traditionally Democratic white Southerners. While solidifying the party's new identity, this shift also led to a gradual decline of its conservative, pro-business wing, as the party increasingly embraced government intervention to address social and economic inequality.

Post-Civil Rights Realignment (After 1960s)

The passage of landmark civil rights legislation, particularly the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965, triggered a profound and lasting realignment of the core bases of both major parties. As the Democratic Party championed these crucial advancements in racial equality, many white voters in the Southern states, historically a Democratic stronghold, began to shift their allegiance, making the region more reliably Republican in presidential politics. Conversely, the Northeastern states and urban centers, embracing the party's evolving social policies, became more reliably Democratic. The once-powerful labor union element, a cornerstone of the New Deal coalition, experienced a decline in membership and political influence after the 1970s. Nevertheless, the working class continues to represent an important and significant component of the Democratic Party's electoral base.

Contemporary Philosophy and Key Policy Positions

Today, the Democratic Party's core philosophy is rooted in modern liberalism, a framework that intricately blends notions of civil liberty and social equality with a commitment to a mixed economy. This approach advocates for robust government intervention to ensure a fairer society and a more stable economy, while still upholding principles of individual freedom and private enterprise. Within Congress, the Democratic Party operates as a "big-tent" coalition, encompassing a diverse spectrum of viewpoints, including influential centrist, progressive, and, to a lesser extent, conservative wings. This broad tent means that while core principles unite them, internal debates and compromises are common as different factions push for their priorities.

Economic Agenda

The party's economic agenda centers on:

Social Issues

On social issues, the Democratic Party advocates for a range of progressive policies, including:

Demographics and Current Political Standing

The Democratic Party draws significant support from a diverse array of demographic groups. Women, individuals residing in urban areas, and younger Americans (often referred to as millennials and Gen Z) tend to align with the party's platforms. Furthermore, the party enjoys strong backing from most sexual, religious, and racial minorities, who often see their interests and values reflected in the Democratic agenda for civil rights, social justice, and equality.

As of 2022, the Democratic Party experienced a period of significant governmental control. This included holding a federal government trifecta, meaning the party controlled the presidency (with Joe Biden as the incumbent), and held majorities in both chambers of the U.S. Congress – the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate. Beyond federal power, the party also held 22 state governorships, controlled 17 state legislatures, and boasted 14 state government trifectas, where the governorship and both legislative chambers were under Democratic control. The party's influence extends to the judiciary, with three of the nine justices on the U.S. Supreme Court having been appointed by Democratic presidents, ensuring a lasting impact on legal interpretation. By registered members (in states where party affiliation is permitted or required), the Democratic Party remains the largest political party in the United States and ranks as the third largest political party globally.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Democratic Party

When was the Democratic Party founded?
The Democratic Party was founded in 1828 by supporters of Andrew Jackson.
What is the Democratic Party's primary rival?
Since the 1860s, the Republican Party has been the Democratic Party's main political rival.
How did the New Deal change the Democratic Party?
The New Deal, initiated by Franklin D. Roosevelt after 1932, fundamentally shifted the Democratic Party towards a socially liberal platform, expanding the role of the federal government in social welfare and attracting a diverse coalition of voters, including immigrants, urban dwellers, and labor unions.
What is the Democratic Party's core philosophy today?
Its core philosophy is modern liberalism, blending civil liberty and social equality with support for a mixed economy, advocating for government intervention to address societal challenges and ensure a strong social safety net.
What demographic groups typically support the Democratic Party?
Support for the Democratic Party typically comes from women, people living in urban areas, younger Americans, and most sexual, religious, and racial minorities.