Other
Guide to American Political Parties
Complete directory of the political parties that are active in the United States. Links to each party's website are included along with a brief overview of each one with major players.
Annenberg Foundation
Annenberg Learner: Democracy in America: Political Parties: Mobilizing Agents
This unit examines the significance of political parties in American politics, highlighting their functions, differences, and influence on the public for political decision making. Offers video, readings, web resources, and activities.
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.
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.
University of Groningen
American History: Outlines: Political Parties
Brief overview of the political party system in the U.S. explaining the emergence and longevity of the Democratic and Republican Parties.
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...
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...
Other
A Brief History of American Major Parties
A good, brief history of the two party system in the United States.
The Dirksen Congressional Center
Congress for Kids: Elections: Political Parties
Lesson plans on elections and the role of political parties. Find multiple choice quizzes, vocabulary, and a role play of a candidate in a town meeting.
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: The Era of Good Feelings and the Two Party System
The Era of Good Feelings lasted about a decade, spanning the administration of James Monroe. Read about the policies followed during his administration, and find out why, after the demise of the Federalist Party, there arose another...
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.
The Dirksen Congressional Center
Congress for Kids: Elections: Political Parties
Read this brief summary of the two political parties in the United States, and then write about what you know about the parties.
Other
National Republican Congressional Committee
The official site of the National Republican Congressional Committee.
Legislative Reference Library of Texas
Legislative Reference Library of Texas: Party Affiliation
A table showing the numbers of Democrats and Republicans in each session of the Texas Legislature since 1870. Clicking on a session brings up a list of all the legislators, with links to their information.
Digital History
Digital History: The Birth of Political Parties
A brief look at the beginning of political parties in the new American nation. Find out the views of the two parties.
Ohio State University
Temperance & Prohibition: Prohibition Party Cartoons
A great collection of political cartoons from the Prohibition Party which heaped criticism on both the Republican and Democratic parties concerning their lack of support for prohibition. Find out when the Prohibition Party was at its...
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...
PBS
Pbs News Hour: Thomas Jefferson the Revolution of 1800
This is a teacher site, with lesson objectives and plans, but it contains very good information and ideas to stimulate thought and understanding. It explains the technicalities of the election of 1800 and the peaceful transfer of power...
Vassar College
Vassar: 1896: The Presidential Campaign: Cartoons and Commentary
This extensive site from the Vassar College on the 1896 presidential election includes links to cartoons, parties and platforms, leaders, campaign themes, and special features.
Annenberg Foundation
Annenberg Learner: What Is Your Affiliation?
Political parties have platforms that describe their principles and issue stances in areas such as taxes, education and immigration. Answer the questions to see which party (Democratic, Republican, Green and Libertarian) is your best fit.
Digital History
Digital History: The Election of 1800 [Pdf]
Perhaps the most important election in United States history, the election of 1800 pitted John Adams against Thomas Jefferson. Read about their differences and the differences in the political parties that supported them. [pdf]
Curated OER
1916
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.
Curated OER
1940
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.