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Historians and political scientists use the phrase ''Second Party System'' as a term of periodization to designate the political party system operating in the United States from about 1828 to 1854, after the First Party System ended. The system was characterized by rapidly rising levels of voter interest, beginning in 1828, as demonstrated by Election Day turnouts, rallies, partisan newspapers, and high degrees of personal loyalty to parties.〔Brown (1999)〕〔Wilentz, '' The Rise of American Democracy: Jefferson to Lincoln'' (2006)〕 Two major parties dominated the political landscape: the Democratic Party, led by Andrew Jackson, and the Whig Party, assembled by Henry Clay from the National Republicans and from other opponents of Jackson. Minor parties included the Anti-Masonic Party, an important innovator from 1827 to 1834; the abolitionist Liberty Party in 1840; and the anti-slavery Free Soil Party in 1848 and 1852. The Second Party System reflected and shaped the political, social, economic and cultural currents of the Jacksonian Era, until succeeded by the Third Party System.〔Holt, ''Political Parties and American Political Development: From the Age of Jackson to the Age of Lincoln'' (1992)〕 Towers specifies an important ideological divide: :Democrats stood for the "sovereignty of the people" as expressed in popular demonstrations, constitutional conventions, and majority rule as a general principle of governing, whereas Whigs advocated the rule of law, written and unchanging constitutions, and protections for minority interests against majority tyranny.〔 Frank Towers, "Mobtown's Impact on the Study of Urban Politics in the Early Republic.". ''Maryland Historical Magazine'' 107 (Winter 2012) pp: 469-75, p 472, citing Robert E, Shalhope, ''The Baltimore Bank Riot: Political Upheaval in Antebellum Maryland'' (2009) p. 147 〕 ==Patterns== Historian Richard P. McCormick is most responsible for defining the term. He concluded:〔McCormick 1966 pp 14–16)〕 * It was a distinct party system. * It formed over a 15-year period that varied by state. * It was produced by leaders trying to win the presidency, with contenders building their own national coalitions. * Regional effects strongly affected developments, with the Adams' forces strongest in New England, for example, and the Jacksonians in the Southwest. * For the first time two-party politics was extended to the South and West (which had been one-party regions). * In each region the two parties were about equal—the first and only party system showing this. * Because of the regional balance it was vulnerable to region-specific issues (like slavery). * The same two parties appeared in every state, and contested both the electoral vote and state offices. * Most critical was the abrupt emergence of a two-party South in 1832-34 (mostly as a reaction against Van Buren). * The Anti-Masonic party flourished in only those states with a weak second party. * Methods varied somewhat but everywhere the political convention replaced the caucus. * The parties had an interest of their own, in terms of the office-seeking goals of party activists. * The System brought forth a new, popular campaign style. * Close elections—not charismatic candidates or particular issues—brought out the voters. * Party leaders formed the parties to some degree in their own image. 抄文引用元・出典: フリー百科事典『 ウィキペディア（Wikipedia）』 ■ウィキペディアで「Second Party System」の詳細全文を読む スポンサード リンク
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