Historical Dictionary of United States Political Parties, Second Edition

The constitution that establishes the institutional framework for American national government makes no mention of political parties. Yet for over two centuries, political parties have competed in encouraging, organizing, and directing political activity in the United States. This volume compiles entries of concepts, terms, labels, and individuals central to identifying and comprehending these key roles political parties have played in American political life. The second edition of Historical Dictionary of United States Political Parties addresses the historical development, organization, operation, and leadership of the parties, as well as their broader environment. This is done through a chronology, an introductory essay, appendixes, a bibliography, and over 800 cross-referenced dictionary entries addressing individuals, institutions, and terms. Contents......Page 6 Series Editor’s Foreword......Page 8 Acronyms and Abbreviations......Page 10 Chronology......Page 12 Introduction......Page 30 The Dictionary......Page 46 Appendix A: Presidents of the United States, 1789–2009......Page 392 Appendix B: Vice Presidents of the United States, 1789–2009......Page 394 Appendix C: Speakers of the House of Representatives, 1789–2009......Page 396 Appendix D: Presidents Pro Tempore of the Senate, 1789–2009......Page 400 Appendix E: Floor Leaders, House of Representatives, 1899–2009......Page 406 Appendix F: Floor Leaders, Senate 1911–2009......Page 410 Appendix G: Democratic National Conventions 1832–2008......Page 414 Appendix H: Republican National Conventions 1856–2008......Page 418 Appendix I: Democratic National Committee Chairs, 1848–2009......Page 422 Appendix J: Republican National Committee Chairs, 1856–2009......Page 424 Appendix K: Electoral College Votes for President, 1789–2008......Page 426 Appendix L: Popular Votes for President, 1824–2008......Page 434 Appendix M: Minor Party Nominees and Independent Candidates Receiving Electoral College Votes, 1808–2008......Page 440 Appendix N: Minor Parties and Independent Candidates with 5% of Popular Vote for President, 1848–2008......Page 442 Appendix O: Presidential Fund-raising and Spending, 1976–2008......Page 444 Bibliography......Page 446 Internet Resources......Page 482 About the Author......Page 484 "This dictionary provides concise entries on the parties, major and minor, past and present, and those who ran them. This includes all of the presidents and vice presidents, whomever won presidential votes in the electoral college, congressional party leaders, and national party chairs. Other entries explain the workings of the parties and familiar jargon. The dictionary is embedded in a broad study of the system in the introduction, a chronology placing events in their context, and a list of acronyms. Equally important is a well-structured bibliography covering the party system, the parties and their leadership." --Book Jacket