The Democratic Party is one of the two major political parties in the United States, founded in 1828 by Martin Van Buren. It is a large coalition of different and often conflicting views, but modern American liberalism, a variant of social liberalism, is the party's main ideology. The Democratic Party has been the main rival of the Republican Party since the 1850s. The Democratic Party's platforms strive to promote social programs, unions, consumer protection, workplace safety regulations, equal opportunities, rights for people with disabilities, racial justice, regulations against environmental pollution, and criminal justice reform. Democrats also believe that a strong, secure and democratic Israel is essential to the interests of the United States.
Groups such as Democrats for Life of America represent the party's anti-abortion faction, while organizations like Emily's List represent its pro-choice faction. Jackson and Martin Van Buren worked with allies in each state to form a new Democratic Party at the national level. The Center Democrats, or New Democrats, are an ideologically centrist faction within the Democratic Party that emerged after Republican George H. W. Bush's victory in 1988. They are represented by organizations such as the Network of New Democrats and the New Democrats Coalition. The Democratic Party logo, the donkey, was popularized by cartoonist Thomas Nast in the 1870s; although widely used, it was never officially adopted by the party.
Roosevelt was nominated for president at the 1932 Democratic National Convention and remains one of the most beloved figures among Democrats today. The issue divided Democrats at their 1860 presidential convention, in which Southern Democrats nominated John C. Breckinridge. They work to promote the party's objectives and encourage Americans living abroad to support Democrats. Democrats have been more liberal on civil rights issues since 1948, although conservative factions of the Democratic Party that opposed them persisted in the South until the 1960s.
The Democratic Governors Association (DGA) is an organization that supports the nominations of Democratic candidates and incumbents for governor. The Democratic Party tends to support a greater role of government in economic issues, supporting regulations and social welfare programs. The Democratic Party has a long history of advocating for progressive values and policies that benefit all Americans. From fighting for civil rights to protecting workers' rights to promoting environmental protection and criminal justice reform, Democrats have been at the forefront of many important issues throughout history. As we look ahead to 2020 and beyond, it is important to understand what this party stands for and how it can help shape our future.
