Second Party System

The Second Party System refers to the period in American political history from the 1820s to the 1850s, characterized by the rivalry between the Democratic Party and the Whig Party. This era followed the First Party System, which featured earlier party alignments. During the Second Party System, issues like slavery, economic policy, and states' rights became prominent. It saw the rise of political campaigns and party organization, reflecting broader voter participation. The system ultimately fractured over slavery, leading to the emergence of new parties, including the Republican Party, around the time of the Civil War.