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- Founded: 1824 (modern) - 1792 (historical)
- Arguably the oldest active political party in the world
- Founders include: Thomas Jefferson, James Madison
- Party Chairman as of April, 2008: Howard Dean
- Senate Majority Leader as of April, 2008: Harry Reid (D-NV)
- House Majority Leaders as of April, 2008: Nancy Pelosi (D-CA)
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The Democratic party is, along with the Republican party, one of the two major political parties in the United States. It is historically the more liberal of the two, although the notion of 'liberal' and 'conservative' as political opposites is a fairly recent one, and fails to account for many key issues in American partisan politics.
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Origins
The Democratic Party is the older of the two major parties in the U.S., and is arguably the oldest active political party in the world, tracing its origins nearly to the beginning of the American democratic system, in 1792. It was founded by figures including Thomas Jefferson and James Madison as the Democratic-Republican Party, a Constitutionalist alternative to the anti-democratic, anti-populist Federalist Party of Alexander Hamilton. Over the years, many splits and schisms occurred in American partisan politics, such that the modern Democratic Party can be said to have begun in 1832, with the first Democratic National Convention.Notable positions
While the Democratic Party was, notoriously, opposed to the abolition of slavery before the Civil War, and was deeply split regarding the civil rights movement until roughly the late 1960s, a general current of populism and egalitarianism has informed its positions. The signal program of the party in the 20th Century was the New Deal of President Franklin D. Roosevelt, which set a foundation under the rising American middle-class through programs such as Social Security and Medicare.Current positions
In the 21st Century, the Democratic Party has largely been a minority party mounting opposition to the policies of Movement Conservatism, to varying effects and degrees of success. Positions have included support for government regulation of industry, anti-poverty programs, and civil-rights issues such as gay marriage. In 2006, the Democrats won a majority in Congress for the first time in 12 years, on promises to bring accountability back to a government rendered unpopular by a succession of majority-Republican scandals. Barack Obama won the 2008 presidential elections as the Democratic nominee.-
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Democratic Party Questions
For which of the five Louisiana parties should Stormy Daniels run for senate? 1 AnswerShe won't be allowed entry by any of the parties since any party that wants to be taken seriously don't want a pornstar to be one of their candidates. So she'll... read more
Which was the first really democratic society/nation of the world? 5 AnswersAthens to be sure, around 5th Century B.C.. For one, it was the Greek who invented the word Democracy (power of the people). Athens had a direct democracy, but... read more
If you are a Democrat who is your favorite Republican? If you are a Republican who is your favorite Democrat? 4 AnswersI am actually a registered Republican but have not voted for them in national elections in more than a dozen years, I am actually registered to vote in northern... read more
Why do liberals and democrats tell Republicans how to run their party? 1 Answeri think the obvious answer is because they are left wing loons. read more
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Democratic Party Central Figures
- Nancy Pelosi
- MSNBC.com: Pelosi Meets Assad
- Harry Reid
- Howard Dean
- USNews.com: "Howard Dean: 'This Is Just a Firestorm'" (2006)
- Bill Clinton
Democratic Party Historical Figures
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On Twitter Powered by Twitter
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@Prizzy11 yeah but it's not too bad for me with it not starting until 2am over here but it still sucks
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Taxpayers cough up 100 million dollars so the vote of Mary Landrieu could be secured!! That's how the dispicable Dems operate.
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@jesaliciouz lol me too!! Is it gay if I put them on a car that's not a few million??? Lol !! 08 scion instead hahaha
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RT @manic77: Date for Shabanam Madadzade`s trial at Rev Court is set for 14Azar #IranElection #16Azar
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Anyone heard 50 cent's new album?
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- Nancy Pelosi
