The Second American Party System: Party Formation in the Jacksonian Era

“A major contribution to the history of American politics.” —Noble E. Cunningham, American Historical Review

Each of the three party systems that has emerged in the history of the United States—in the 1790s, the 1830s, and the 1850s—has differed fundamentally from the others. The second American party system was unique in its origins, national comprehensiveness and balance, and in the fatal flaws that brought about is early disruption.