The GOP Rests on Ideologically Shaky Ground

History of the Republican Party The first 2 parties in the United States were Jefferson’s Republican Party and Hamilton’s Federalist Party. The Federalist Party was Federalist only in name, as they were more in favor of creating a unitary state. The core tenants of the two parties were as follows; Federalist: Centralization, Oligarchism, & Nationalism Republican: Localization, Republicanism, & Classic Liberalism By 1828 the Federalist Party was completely absorbed by the Republican Party. (1) During the 1824 Presidential election, the Republican Party was split between two candidates; John Quincy Adams, and Andrew Jackson. Those who supported Adams was called “Adam’s men”, and those who supported Jackson were called “Jackson’s men” or “Jack A**es”. After the election, Adam’s Men became the National Republican Party, and Jackson’s Men became the Democratic Party. The core tenants of the two parties were as follows; National Republican: Centralization, Nationalism & Republicanism Democratic: Localization, Classic Liberalism, & Democracy (2) The National Republican Party was short lived, and was soon replaced by the Whig Party. The Whig Party was comprised of Conservatives and National Republicans. The main platform of the Whig Party was Congressional rather than Presidential dominance. (3) Shortly before the civil war a faction of Whigs broke off and formed the Republican Party, named after the National Republican Party; the tenants were basically the same as the National Republican Party. (4) Throughout its history, one thing has remained the same. Republicans have favored Republicanism. Today the Republican Party and Democratic Party serve as coalition parties, comprised of various ideologies. The defining factor between the two parties is that the Democrats favor Democracy or loose constitutionalism, while Republicans favor Republicanism or strict constitutionalism. The Modern Republican Party tends to attract libertarians and conservatives. Conservatives are attracted to the Republican Party because they want to maintain the status quo of the constitution. Libertarians are attracted to the Republican Party because they favor limited government. What is a republic? A republic is a government, where the people hold sovereignty over the state, and the state is governed by rule of law. Like a republic, the people hold sovereignty over democratic governments. The difference between a democracy and a republic is rule of law; instead of rule of law, democracies are restricted by majority rule. Classic Liberalism vs Conservatism & Progressives Classic Liberalism is a form of Libertarianism. Liberalism is synonymous with individualism. Conservatism is synonymous with traditionalism aka reactionary policies, while progressivism is synonymous with reformism aka radical policies. Conservatism can be split into two categories; Liberal Conservatives like Robert Peel, and Traditional Conservatives like Benjamin Disraeli. (5) Progressivism can be split into two categories; Social Liberals like John Russell and Populists like Teddy Roosevelt. In America the term “Liberalism” is often used interchangeably with “Progressivism”, but not all progressives are liberals; only Social Liberals are Liberal Progressives. Modern American Conservatives are usually closer to Liberal Conservatism than they are to Traditional Conservatism. Although Liberalism has become more popular in the modern era, it does not mean everyone is liberal. There are still nationalists, socialists, populists, and traditional conservatives who would not fall into the liberal category. I’m not sure where Pro was heading with his argument about liberalism. 1.) http://www.history.com... 2.) http://legal-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com... 3.) http://legal-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com... 4.) http://www.history.com... 5.) books.google.com/books?isbn=8177648683