OpenStax
Open Stax: Competing Visions: Federalists and Democratic Republicans
After reading this section of a chapter on "The New Republic," students will be able to describe the competing visions of the Federalists and the Democratic-Republicans, identify the protections granted to citizens under the Bill of...
CNN
Cnn: Democratic Party History
CNN provides a brief account of Democratic party history from the party's origins in the Democratic-Republican party to the present, including information on the era preceding the Civil War.
Independence Hall Association
U.s. History: Republican Philadelphia
Philadelphia today leans to the Democratic ticket in most elections. This website, ushistory.org, is completely nonpolitical, but it offers resources for right-leaning visitors to feel right at home when visiting.
Other
National Republican Congressional Committee
The official site of the National Republican Congressional Committee.
Independence Hall Association
U.s. History: The 1824 Election and the "Corrupt Bargain"
The two-party system in presidential elections fell apart in the election of 1824. See what happened when five men, all from the Democratic-Republican Party, ran against each other. Find out why the choice of John Quincy Adams was called...
Independence Hall Association
U.s. History: Two Parties Emerge
Although George Washingon denounced the creation of political parties, they came roaring into play in the election of 1796 in which John Adams, representing the Federalists, ran against Thomas Jefferson, who represented the...
Khan Academy
Khan Academy: Us History: 1800 1848: The Election of 1800
The growing partisanship between the Federalist camp, led by John Adams, and the Democratic-Republican camp, led by Thomas Jefferson, resulted in a bitterly contested presidential election in 1800.
Independence Hall Association
U.s. History: Republicans vs. Democrats
A review of Bill Clinton's domestic policies and scandals in his two terms of office. Focus is on the rancor of the Republicans against Clinton.
White House Historical Association
White House Historical Association: The Inauguration of Thomas Jefferson
Information and lesson plan about Thomas Jefferson's inauguration as the first Republican President and the political unrest around the time of his election as the third President of the United States.
Other
Copernicus Election Watch: History of the Parties
This site has a great timeline that tracks the history of the Democratic, Republican, and some Independent Third Parties. Also some excellent links at the bottom of the page.
Alabama Learning Exchange
Alex: Elephant or Donkey?
Students will visit the websites for the National Republican and National Democratic Party. Students will choose topics of interest to them and compare the positions of both parties on the topic. Students will complete a graphic...
OpenStax
Open Stax: Partisan Politics
By reading this section of a chapter on "The New Republic", students will be able to identify key examples of partisan wrangling between the Federalists and Democratic-Republicans, describe how foreign relations affected American...
Teaching American History
Teaching American History: From Bullets to Ballots Chapter 4
Doubts and Disunity, Was the Downfall of the Federalists Inevitable? is Chapter 4 from Zvesper's book, From Bullets to Ballots. Understand what happened to the Federalists, the Democratic-Republicans, as being too similar to what they...
Diffen
Diffen: Democrat vs. Republican
An in-depth article describing the two political parties in the United States. Read the side-by-side comparison followed by the article which contains an excerpt from an interview and some visuals to reinforce the learning.
Alabama Learning Exchange
Alex: Democrat or Republican
During this lesson, students will begin to understand the differences between the two major political parties that exist in the United States of America. Students will have the opportunity to discuss the roles of each presidential...
Digital History
Digital History: Republicanism
The framers of the Constitution had a great distaste for the monarchial society of Great Britain. See how this was reflected in the checks and balances they wrote into the Constitution in an effort to create a working republic.
Civil War Home
Home of the American Civil War: Election of 1864
The re-election of Abraham Lincoln in 1864 was not a done deal. Read about the peace explorations, the Republican and Democratic conventions, the campaigns, and eventual "landslide" for Lincoln. From "The Civil War and Reconstruction" by...
Other
Tami: Times Are a Changin' Development of the Two Party System in Texas
A collection of historical videos of political campaigns in Texas, which students analyze after an exploration of what qualities an effective political leader should have. They explore and discuss what Democrats and Republicans say in...
Annenberg Foundation
Annenberg Learner: A Biography of America: The Elections of 1896 1900
Read about all the factions involved in the campaign and election of 1896 and see how the Democratic Party was split, which resulted in the election of Republican William McKinley. The last part of this essay talks about the campaign of...
PBS
Pbs: America 1900: William Jennings Bryan's Campaign Strategy
Historian Walter LaFeber discusses William Jennings Bryan's 1900 campaign strategy to win the White House by criticizing the imperialism of the Republican candidate, William McKinley.
Other
The Garfield Observer: Stalwarts, Half Breeds, and Political Assassination
This is a concise description of the turmoil in the Republican Party leading up to the campaign and election of 1880. How or whether to reform the patronage system was at the heart of the selection of a candidate. Find out about the...
Other
Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library: 1916 Election
Here is a multi-faceted look at the election of 1916. Read about the politics of the Democratic and Republican Parties and the results of the election. Also, find out about the interests of immigrants, women, African-Americans, and...
Harp Week
Harp Week: Presidential Elections: 1908 Taft v. Bryan Overview
What a great resource this is. The four-page oveview of the campaign of 1908 begins with a review of the presidency of Theodore Roosevelt. Read about the nomination of William Howard Taft, Roosevelt's acolyte, sure to carry on the...
Henry J. Sage
Sage American History: James Monroe and the Era of Good Feelings
A complete look at the administration of James Monroe and the policies of the Era of Good Feelings. You can read about the domestic policies, foreign affairs, and important decisions of the Supreme Court made during the Monroe...