Fifth Party System

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FifthPartySystem_1932-1960_Dealignment_1964-1980

FifthPartySystem_1932-1976

== Fifth Party System ==

The Fifth Party System is a term used by political scientists to describe the era of American national politics that began with the New Deal in 1932 and continued into the late 20th century. This period is characterized by the dominance of the Democratic Party and the significant political realignment that occurred during this time.

Historical Context

The Fifth Party System emerged from the Great Depression, a severe worldwide economic downturn that began in 1929. The economic crisis led to widespread unemployment, poverty, and political instability. In response, Franklin D. Roosevelt was elected President in 1932, and his administration implemented the New Deal, a series of programs, public work projects, financial reforms, and regulations.

Key Features

The Fifth Party System is marked by several key features:

• **New Deal Coalition**: The Democratic Party built a broad coalition that included urban workers, ethnic minorities, Southern whites, and African Americans. This coalition helped the Democrats dominate national politics for several decades.
• **Government Intervention**: There was a significant increase in government intervention in the economy, with the establishment of programs like Social Security, the Securities and Exchange Commission, and various labor protections.
• **Civil Rights Movement**: The period also saw the rise of the Civil Rights Movement, which led to significant social and political changes, including the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965.

Political Realignment

The Fifth Party System saw a major political realignment, with many African Americans shifting their support from the Republican Party to the Democratic Party. This realignment was influenced by the New Deal policies and the Democratic Party's support for civil rights.

Decline and Transition

The dominance of the Fifth Party System began to wane in the late 20th century. The Vietnam War, economic challenges such as stagflation, and the rise of the conservative movement led to a shift in political dynamics. The election of Ronald Reagan in 1980 is often seen as the beginning of the end of the Fifth Party System and the start of the Sixth Party System.

Related Pages

• New Deal
• Franklin D. Roosevelt
• Civil Rights Movement
• Democratic Party (United States)
• Republican Party (United States)
• Sixth Party System