Cayce, Harry Wayne : Reasons for the Birth and the Growth of the Democratic Party

The purpose of this study has been to establish the reasons for the birth and growth of the Democratic Party. This study has been de­limited to include the history of the Democratic Party on the national level, dealing specifically with the office of president and vice-president. Political leaders and candidates are the primary subject material, but mention is made concerning trends of thought, political conventions, and election results. The Democratic Party originated in opposition because of the financial problems of the Federalist Administration of President Adams, and the fear of Alexander Hamilton. The majority of the people, led by Thomas Jefferson and James Madison, disliked the aristocratic tone of the government and felt that the people who were close to the president were monarchists at heart. With this Philosophy, the party led by Jefferson appealed to the common man. With the completion of this study, the writer concludes that the Democratic Party was founded in progression, and has continued to grow, sometimes to retrogress into obscurity, and then to reverse its path to move forward once again.