Emerging political parties transformed American politics between 1824 and 1840, engaging the general public in politics and organizing two rival parties dedicated to a different vision of the Constitution and government.
How did the two-party system start in American government?
In the 1790s and early 1800s, senators divided into rival parties based on support of and opposition to the policies of presidents George Washington and John Adams, especially regarding foreign relations with Great Britain and France and the role of the federal government.
How long has the US had a two-party system?
Since the 1850s, the two have been the Democratic Party and the Republican Party—one of which has won every United States presidential election since 1852 and controlled the United States Congress since at least 1856.