The Whig Party

The Whig Party

Politics is a diverse and quickly changing facet of civilized society.   Politics in America, at least in the current times, focuses on a two party system (although other parties are not discouraged from presenting candidates, and many often do, the political arena is generally dominated by two major parties).   This dichotomy exists due to the public’s desire to simplify all competitions to one man against the other.   This was not always the case.   In the early part of the 1800’s, the concept of political parties in America was just reaching its nativity.   If he were asked his political persuasion, The American of the 1820’s and 1830’s would probably tell you he was a Jeffersonist, or a Republican.   Disjointed and factitious as it was, there was considered to be but one major political party in this nation.   As the 1800’s drew on however, this disunion became greater and threatened, then eventually led to the separation and creation of distinctive ideological camps.   Some Republicans followed Andrew Jackson’s exhortations and formed the Democratic Republican party whose domination peaked when Jackson was elected president.   The other party, the National Republican party, whose members include people such as Henry Clay, strove to unseat the Democratic Republican power.   This second party was the forebearer of the Whig party of America, a major party who was concerned with the executive’s growing power.  
The year is 1833.   The place, Washington DC   The National Republicans had disbanded due to Jackson’s win in the presidential race.   The former National Republican leaders had banded again to fight the power and influence of Jackson, who they dubbed "King Andrew".   The Leaders decide to take the name of the Whigs, after the former British party established a century before to fight the absolute monarchy.   They were not alone.   A group of staunch anti-Jacksonist New York planters known as the Anti-Masons had always strived to become a major political party.   The...