Lesson 24: Party Realignment and Dealignment

  Party realignment is when the minor party becomes more powerful than the major party of the time.  This usually happens when the minority wins an important election.  The realignment of parties can be seen as eras in the history of America:

• Federalist Era- Federalist Party weakened and disolved by disorganization.
• Jacksonian Era- Democratic-Republican Party grew strong and formed today's Democratic Party.
• Republican Era- Republican Party gains the support of industry, former slaves, and farmers.  
• New Deal Era- Democratic Party emerges to take the power after the Great Depression. 
• Divided Government Era- Neither Party (or third party) has dominated the government since these eras.