Reading 28 Politics in Transition

The Collapse of the Federalist-Jeffersonian Party System
The fall of the Federalist Party was due to several reasons. They were discredited by accusations of disloyalty during the War of 1812, held differing views within the party; some endorsed broad suffrage for social stability and other members against it. They also continued to believe that political leadership should be exercised by “the wise and the good”.  Who were the wise and the good? The industrious? The Jeffersonian  Party system reached political success after War 1812. They contained the nation’s diversity of economic and social interests and newly emerging political leaders. To appeal to the west, northeast and nationalist sentiment, Madison launched Federalist like program like the  bill for second bank of united states, protective tariffs, federally sponsored roads and canals; drew criticism and questioned of state government rule or federal. The election of 1824 triggered the final collapse of party; charged of “corrupt bargain”

Women at the Republican Court
Women often visited Supreme Court and sessions of Congress to listen to debates and even filled the House galleries as electoral votes. Being a part of the political scene allowed women to create friend networks for dinner parties and social gatherings to promote political alliances. They also challenged the lines of public and private sectors. Some women were more privileged than others in politics but as the political parties started to grow in numbers, the men dominated and became defining act of political participation.

A New Style of Politics
Voter turnouts greatly increased due to the growing strength of democratic beliefs and decisions due to state programs of road and canal building, bank regulation, etc. which activated people’s self interest.  States began to perfect the techniques of democratic politics making registration drives and party conventions commonplace. Politicians aimed for informing the masses about their places in government so they would vote.