1.4 The Era of Weak Presidents Flashcards
What similarities were there between the Republican Party and Democrats during the Era of Weak President?
Both were coalitions of different regional and sectional factions, without any consistent nationwide political programme.
What did the Democrats stand for during the Era of Weak Presidents?
States’ rights, white supremacy in the South, a limited role for the federal government, and low tariffs in the interest of the ‘little man’.
What did the Republicans stand for during the Era of Weak Presidents?
They were the party of the Union, tending to favour big business, high protective tariffs, and the values of native-born Americans from outside the South.
In what ways was Hayes a weak president?
His narrow, disputed election victory, together with his promise not to seek re-election in 1880, made him almost a ‘lame duck’ president from the beginning. His opponents had been greatly strengthened by the terms of the 1877 Compromise.
What is meant by the ‘Solid South’?
The Southern states were a region of one-party governments, where the Democratic candidate was certain to win all elections. The only question was which Democrat would be selected at the party caucus in advance of the actual election.
What did the Democratic stranglehold on the South enable the Redeemers to do?
Dismantle much of the reformist legislation pushed through by Reconstruction. Black voting rights were undermined, and discriminatory changes to the law damaged the economic position of black agricultural labourers by tying them more closely to the landowners. Reconstruction became a stunted revolution.
What is a party caucus?
Internal discussions within a party to select a candidates to run in elections.
What were party caucuses replaced by?
Primary elections
What are primary elections?
When party members vote to choose between rival candidates to select a candidate for elections.
How are candidates in presidential elections chosen?
At their party’s National Nominating Convention.
In what ways did Grant restore political respectability?
Kept his promise to be a one-term president (though this weakened his power over the party and Congress) and he tried to reform the civil service to root out patronage.
What is patronage?
The practice of rewarding loyal supporters with public posts in order for them to enrich themselves. This was often known as the ‘spoils system’.
Why was reforming the civil service necessary?
Most civil service posts were given out to reward loyal supporters with the opportunity to make money, not to provide honest public service.
Who opposed Hayes’s reform of the civil service?
Stalwarts, Republicans who were in favour of the spoils system. They were led by the Republican Party boss from New York, Roscoe Conkling. The reform split the party and Hayes sacked Chester Arthur, one of Conkling’s key supporters.
What were the two factions within the Republican party?
The stalwarts and the half-breeds, a reformist group who did not support the spoils system and were led by Senator Blaine.
