Republican Congress, The
Former Secretary of Labor and university professor Robert Reich talks about the abrupt changes that took place when the Republicans gained control of Congress in the 1994 congressional elections. "I had to stop a lot of bad things from happening and...
Alexander Hamilton: Target of Republican Mistrust
Historian Peter Onuf says that Republicans both feared and respected Alexander Hamilton, believing that he wanted to make the United States over in the image of Britain. "Many of Hamilton's troubles," Professor Onuf explains, "...go back to the Cons...
Louisiana Purchase, The
Historian Peter Onuf explains that Thomas Jefferson's interest in the Louisiana territory was not driven by a desire to double the size of the United States. Knowing that France had an interest in New Orleans, Jefferson was concerned that the new we...
Political Stalemate: Political Stalemate
For several decades after Congress ceases to battle over Reconstruction there is political equilibrium between Democrats and Republicans. The outcome of presidential elections generally pivots on who can win four states: New York, New Jersey, Connec...
Political Stalemate: Fundamental Differences Between Republicans and Democrats Emerge
Fundamental differences between the Republicans and Democrats begin to surface during the late 19th century, particularly in relation to the economy and the role government should play in regulating it. The Republicans favor the protective tariff an...
Public Response to the Louisiana Purchase
Historian Peter Onuf talks about the reaction of the American public to the Louisiana Purchase. Most Americans were very enthusiastic about the transaction, Professor Onuf explains, because it provided commercial and trade advantages, and ended the ...
Election of 1796, The
Historian Peter Onuf provides fascinating insights into Thomas Jefferson, whose uncanny political instincts enabled him to not only weather the election of John Adams in 1796, but plan his own campaign for the presidency that would lead to his elect...
Party Politics: Two Political Parties Emerge During Washington's Administration
There was no plan for a party system in the early days of the United States. It was thought there would be so many different factions that no one faction would survive. To the surprise of the citizens, two parties--the Federalists favoring a strong ...
Moving to Extremes
Presidential advisor, political analyst and university professor David Gergen explains that both major political parties today are embracing more extreme agendas than they have in the past. As a result, Mr. Gergen notes, more Americans than ever say...
James Baker's Political Roots
Former Secretary of State James A. Baker talks about his political roots, including the fact that he was a Democrat until 1970, when his friend George Bush told him that, to help get his mind off the grief of losing a wife at thirty-eight, he should...