The Birth of the Modern Political Party in the United States: James Buchanan, head of the Jacksonians in Pennsylvania, States That Parties Are Forming Even As He Writes, And Relates the Principles on Which They Are Doing So

"Parties are rapidly assuming a distinct character not only in regard to men but measures…The friends of Gen. Jackson are generally I might almost say universally in favor of limiting the powers of the general government within the true meaning of the Constitution…The Adams men generally…are ultra Federal in the legitimate sense of the word in their constitutional opinions"

Although the U.S. Constitution does not provide for political parties, two factions quickly emerged. One group, led by John Adams and Alexander Hamilton, favored business development, a strong national government that had broad powers to act, and a similarly broad interpretation of the Constitution to allow this. They were the Federalist Party. The followers of Thomas Jefferson, known as Democratic-Republicans, called for a society based on small farms, a relatively weak central government, and a strict interpretation of the Constitution that would preclude much Federal action.

In the wake of the War of 1812 (which they had largely opposed) and the Era of Good Feelings superintended over by President Monroe, the Federalists sank into oblivion. The last Federalist Congressional caucus dissolved in 1825. Meanwhile, spoiled by success, the Democratic-Republicans faired little better. In the 1824 presidential election, all four candidates (including John Quincy Adams, Henry Clay, and Andrew Jackson) were nominally from that party, which could not possibly contain members with such widely divergent views. Adams won that election in the House of Representatives, though gaining a minority of the popular vote. Jackson and his supporters felt they had been robbed.

In office, President Adams wholeheartedly supported the role of the Federal government in the sponsorship of projects and institutions designed to improve the conditions of society. He had no constitutional doubts about the authority of the President and Congress to construct a system of internal improvements, ranging from roads and canals to harbors, bridges, and other public works, and he presented an ambitious program for the creation of a national market that included those internal improvements, a national university, a national astronomical observatory, and other initiatives. Using military engineers for survey and construction operations, his administration achieved some progress in support of improvements and road and canal development. The specific projects included extending the Cumberland Road into Ohio with surveys for its continuation west to St. Louis, beginning the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal, and constructing the Portland to Louisville Canal connecting the Great Lakes to the Ohio River system in Ohio and Indiana. Those who approved of Adams took the name National Republicans, but they were hardly an organized political party in any sense of the word.

At the same time, with the country expanding and many states dropping their property qualifications for voting, the size of the electorate grew. Andrew Jackson took advantage of this change, and he came to represent an alliance of small farmers, Southerns, Westerners, "mechanics" (the term used for the working class), and others who opposed Adams' programs. With the 1828 election approaching, the organizational genius Martin Van Buren determined to create a political party around Jackson, and he rallied a cadre of politicians in every state to support him, recruit followers, and bring out votes. This group would before long take the name Democratic Party, which many maintain is the oldest political party in the world. The Whig Party would come together around Henry Clay, though not until after Jackson was ensconced in the White House.

James Buchanan served in the U.S. Congress from 1821 to 1831, and was initially a member of the Federalist Party. But when that party disintegrated, he became a loyal supporter of Andrew Jackson. As the 1828 election approached, Buchanan emerged as the leader of the Democrats forming in Pennsylvania, and during that election campaign he worked tirelessly for Jackson and the fledgling party. At that time, Pennsylvania had more electoral votes than any other state, and Buchanan managed to deliver this plum to Jackson decisively.

"They believe – that whatever may have been the case in the origin of our institutions, there is now much greater danger of consolidation from the increased power and patronage of the general government than of disunion.  They are anxious therefore to preserve the state sovereignty unimpaired. Virginia has always been true to these principles, although in my opinion she is carried her construction too far."

Autograph Letter Signed, Washington, January 19, 1827, to George B. Porter, who joined the Democrats while a member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives in 1827. In giving Porter an update on the political world even as it was coalescing, he actually relates that parties are forming and states upon what basis and beliefs, encapsulates Jackson's political program, ridicules Adams' programs and says they will be resisted, and exudes confidence in victory in the 1828 election. "…I thank you for your sympathy on account of the death of my brother.  He was indeed everything I could have wished him to be, and I felt his loss most severely. He died the death of a Christian and that was a great consolation to his mother and the rest of the family. 

"As regards the prospects of Gen. Jackson they continue to brighten daily. I cannot more precisely state my own opinion upon the subject than is contained in a letter published in the American Sentinel of the 18th instant.  I am not the author of that letter, but I take occasion to send the paper to you not knowing whether you take it. I would also suggest the propriety of having it republished in the Intelligencer. The author has stated Delaware, Louisiana, Indiana, and Missouri to be doubtful. With respect to Delaware the senatorial election determines its character and if any faith be due to the representations of Mr. Livingston, Louisiana is equally certain.

"The opposition which was necessarily composed of heterogeneous materials has now become consolidated, and we move on with prudence and with concert. No individual in the House of Representatives would venture to commit his party in a party measure upon his sole responsibility. The cry of factious opposition is nearly at an end.  No measure emanating from the administration which ought to be supported will be opposed; though their recommendations will be narrowly scanned as we have not confidence either in the wisdom or honesty of their proceedings. In the next Congress we should have a majority in both branches; But whether that circumstance will be auspicious or not is perhaps a matter of doubt.

"Parties are rapidly assuming a distinct character not only in regard to men but measures. The present administration came to power against the will of the majority of the people and they are endeavoring to sustain themselves by extending the patronage of the government beyond all reasonable bounds.  They have covered the whole face of the country with surveys of roads and canals, when they were perfectly conscious they have not a dollar in the Treasury to make them.  In this manner they have held out lures to the people in all directions. One of the most barefaced attempts of the kind has been the survey of a route from Buffalo to Washington which they never could have dreamt of making.

"The friends of Gen. Jackson are generally I might almost say universally in favor of limiting the powers of the general government within the true meaning of the Constitution. They believe – that whatever may have been the case in the origin of our institutions, there is now much greater danger of consolidation from the increased power and patronage of the general government than of disunion.  They are anxious therefore to preserve the state sovereignty unimpaired. Virginia has always been true to these principles, although in my opinion she is carried her construction too far.  New York from self-interest – from the desire that the public treasury should not be squandered in the west upon roads and canals before there are people to use them has recently come out and denied the power of Congress to a great extent over subject. It will perhaps be the interest of Pennsylvania as she can expect no aid from the general government in making her improvements to pursue the same course.

"At all events parties are rapidly forming upon the ancient principles, by whatever names they may be called. They will develop themselves during the present session. The Adams men generally – whether they have been called Federalists or Democrats are ultra Federal in the legitimate sense of the word in their constitutional opinions; whilst on the other hand the friends of Jackson pursue the contrary course. I thought it right to give you these hasty hints: they will be the key by which you may unlock the intentions of some of the proceedings which have taken place and will take place in Congress.  Virginia and North Carolina are safe as Pennsylvania, and I'm glad Tyler is elected instead of Randolph…"
 
Jackson rewarded Buchanan's work and loyalty by appointing him ambassador to Russia in 1832, thus stating a career that led Buchanan to the presidency. This remarkable letter was originally sold at auction by Henkel's in 1892 as part of the Washington-Madison sale of papers preserved by James Madison, sold by the estate of J.C. McGuire who purchased them from Dolley Madison. The legendary autograph dealer Walter Benjamin helped curate the sale. It last made its appearance on the market many decades ago.