Scholars have identified a sequence of five (possibly now six) distinct historical party systems. Each system derives its special characteristics from its era’s society, economy, and technology, as well as the goals and tactics of political leaders. But common strategic responses to ongoing institutional incentives unite them all. The first party system (1790-1824) illustrates the logic that led to the creation of national parties. Institutional innovation in the second party system (1824-1860) set parties on their basic organizational course. The full flowering and then decline of party machines under Progressive assault characterized the third (1860-1894) and fourth (1894-1932) party systems. Each of these systems also was defined by its distinctive pair of rival coalitions, but the coalitional nature of American parties is clearest in the creation and erosion of the party coalitions of the fifth party system (1932-?). The party coalitions have changed enough since the 1950s to suggest that a sixth party system is now in place, although there is no consensus on its date of origin.
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The Progressive era was a period of American history extending roughly from 1880-1920 and associated with the reform of government and electoral institutions in an attempt to reduce corruption and weaken parties. The most important reforms were the civil service, the Australian ballot, and primary elections. The most important changes were introduced during the Progressive