I was givin the idea by Pastor Dave to make a post about how each political party in America strayed away from it's original basic party philosophy.  As I was looking up information about this, I took his idea and ran with it.  This here is the first post of a three-post series talking about the Democratic Party's beliefs, the Republican Party's beliefs, and the Bill of Rights.

The Democratic Party

The Democratic Party's roots can be traced back to the year 1792 and founded by a brilliant man by the name of Thomas Jefferson.  The party was formed in order to oppose  the economic and foreign policies of the Federalist Party.

After the formation of the party, a realization for unity became obvious.  What better way to get support than to proclaim their beliefs to the American people and allow them to decide their support.  From this formed the first political platform in America.

The first idea that Thomas Jefferson proclaimed was the preservation of our present federal Constitution.  Jefferson was a firm believer in the Constitution and in fact, wanted to make it stronger.  He believed in a strong federal government.  He was opposed to a monarchy type of government that would transition our government to a President and Senate for life.  Also, the party was founded in order to helping the little man and helping others.

The second idea that Jefferson proclaimed was the belief of State's powers.  He believed that each individual state should have power.  He strongly opposed a national bank system.  He also proclaimed the formation of the party in opposition to elites and aristocrats.  He didn't want this country to be ran by the weatlty and did not believe that the government be associated with only the rich.

The third idea that Jefferson based his party is one that has strayed far away from his original belief over the years.  He proclaimed  that for our internal defence relys solely on our malitia until actual invasion.  He also said that a naval force is only to be used to protect our coasts and harbors from intrusions.  Jefferson was strongly against a standing army in times of peace on the fear that it may overthrow our government in its entirety.

The fourth idea that Jefferson stated is that he is for free commerce with all nations, a political connection with none, and little or no diplomatic establishment.  Jefferson believed that this country should be completely independent of the rest of the world.  The Democratic party of today has definately strayed away from this fundamental belief.  Diplomacy is one of the party's main concerns of present day.  The issue of trade has also moved from what Jefferson believed, free trade, to the now fair trade policy.

The fifth basis the Democratic was founded was to not link the United States by new treaties with any of Europe.  This was done to protect the United States from joining with the kings to rage war against the principles of liberty and conquere all of the world.

The sixth principle of the Democratic party was a strict belief in the Bill of Rights.  A total belief in the right to free press, freedom of speech and religion. 

The last fundamental of the Democratic Party was the progression of science in all its branches.  The party believed in science and all the work it has and will bring to us.

These were the basis for the formation of the original Democratic Party.  Every other belief was in someway evolved from these basic beliefs.