A Blog Exploring American History and Politics
The Democratic Party and Whig Party were the dominant political parties from the early 1830s up until the mid-1850s. Both were institutions in national politics despite not having a coherent national organization by cobbling together a diverse group of states to win elections. While the Democrats had a more populist agenda, the Whigs were more […]
MoreAnswers to Mason’s “Objections”: “Marcus” [James Iredell] I Norfolk and Portsmouth Journal (Virginia), February 20, 1788 Following are excerpts from James Iredell’s responses to George Mason’s “Objections” to the Constitution: “IIId. [George Mason’s] Objection. ‘The Senate have the power of altering all money bills, and of originating appropriations of money, and the salaries of the officers […]
More“Publius,” The Federalist I [Alexander Hamilton] Independent Journal (New York), October 27, 1787 Following are excerpts from the Federalist I, written by Alexander Hamilton: “The subject speaks its own importance; comprehending in its consequences, nothing less than the existence of the union,
MorePresident Andrew Jackson did not want banknotes in the American economy, as he was an adherent to the gold standard. Daniel Walker Howe, What Hath God Wrought: Transformation of America, 1815-1848, 376. He would be forced to confront Nicholas Biddle, the President of the Second Bank of the United States.
MoreLetter from James Madison to Thomas Jefferson New York, October 24, 1787 Following are excerpts from James Madison’s letter to Thomas Jefferson, dated October 24, 1787: “It remains then to be enquired whether a majority having any common interest, or feeling any common passion, will find sufficient motives to restrain them from oppressing the minority.
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