The Oldest “Party” In America

The newly-formed Democratic political party was ushered in by Andrew Jackson. A frontiersman known as an advocate for the “common” man, Andrew Jackson is considered to be the first Democratic President of the United States (1829-1837). His “Jacksonian Democracy” was defined by the ideas of state rights, a very strict “hands off” approach to the economy, and opposition to any Nationalized Bank. In the 20th Century, President Woodrow Wilson (1913-1921) heavily represented the progressive side of the party. While in office, he outlawed child labor, ushered in programs for farmers, gave railroad workers benefits and protections, and gave women the right to vote. Another Democratic reformer was President Franklin D. Roosevelt (1933-1945), who came into office during the Great Depression. Roosevelt issued a profusion of executive orders that instituted the New Deal – a variety of programs designed to produce relief (government jobs for the unemployed), recovery (economic growth), and reform (through regulation of Wall Street, banks and transportation). The economy improved from 1933 to 1937, but then relapsed into a deep recession. Throughout the history of the United States, the Democratic Party has become more progressive and liberal than its early “Jacksonian” beginnings. Historically, the party has favored farmers, laborers, labor unions, and religious and ethnic minorities, has opposed unregulated business and finance, and favored progressive income taxes. Other popular (and effective) Democratic presidents include John F. Kennedy (1961-1963), Lyndon B. Johnson (1963-1969) and Bill Clinton (1993-2001). Modern-day Democrats, simply put, place more value on the collective (society) than the individual, and believe that everyone, if given a leveled playing field, should be able to succeed. The big question is, if there is an “equal” playing field, will man continue to strive for achievement or just get lazy? What is America striving for in the in 21st Century? That is up to us to decide. We must take a vested interest in our America. Please vote for her this November!