The Democratic Party is one of the two major political parties in the United States, alongside the Republican Party. For UK readers, it is often useful to understand it as a broad, centre-to-centre-left party that generally supports a stronger federal role in the economy, social welfare programmes, civil rights and environmental protection.
This guide explains the Democratic Party’s history, beliefs, organisation and role in US elections. It also explains why a party based in the United States can be relevant to UK readers, especially those following international news, travelling to the US or comparing political systems.
What is the Democratic Party?
The Democratic Party is a major political party in the United States and the main rival to the Republican Party. It is generally associated with modern liberalism, progressive reform and a more active federal government in economic and social policy. [106][109]
The party traces its roots to the late eighteenth century, when supporters of Thomas Jefferson organised around ideas of popular government and opposition to monarchy. It adopted its present name during the 1830s, during the presidency of Andrew Jackson. [106][107]
Today, the Democratic Party is one of the oldest active political parties in the world. Its modern identity has been shaped by major historical events, including Franklin D. Roosevelt’s New Deal, the civil-rights era and the expansion of social welfare programmes. [106][108]
A brief history of the Democratic Party
The Democratic Party’s history is long and complex. Its early form grew out of the Democratic-Republican Party associated with Thomas Jefferson and James Madison, which favoured republicanism, states’ rights and a more limited federal government. [108][112][114]
The party as it is recognised today is usually traced to Andrew Jackson’s successful presidential campaign in 1828. Jackson became the first Democratic president, serving from 1829 to 1837. [108][114]
Early history
In the nineteenth century, the Democratic Party was particularly strong in the South. It supported or tolerated slavery before the American Civil War and opposed many civil-rights reforms afterwards in order to retain support among Southern voters. [106][113]
This part of the party’s history is important because the modern Democratic Party is very different from its nineteenth-century predecessor. Political parties can retain their names while changing their coalitions, policies and ideological outlook over time. [109][112]
The New Deal era
A major shift came during the 1930s under President Franklin D. Roosevelt. His New Deal programme expanded the federal government’s role in responding to the Great Depression and introduced major social and economic reforms. [106][108]
Roosevelt’s coalition brought together urban workers, small farmers, liberals and other groups. This period helped establish the Democratic Party’s modern association with organised labour, social welfare and government action to address economic inequality. [106][107]
Civil rights and later change
By the mid-twentieth century, the party had undergone a significant ideological realignment. It became more closely associated with civil rights, minority rights and progressive reform, particularly during the presidency of Lyndon B. Johnson. [106][109]
The Civil Rights Act and Voting Rights Act of the 1960s are often cited as landmark moments in this transformation. These changes also reshaped the party’s political coalition, as its support in the South gradually declined. [112][113]
What does the Democratic Party believe?
The Democratic Party is not ideologically uniform. It includes moderates, progressives, liberals and members with very different priorities. However, its national platform and public positions tend to emphasise social and economic equality, civil rights and a stronger role for government in addressing social problems. [106][109]
Economy and taxation
Democrats generally favour greater government intervention in the economy to regulate business and protect workers and consumers. They often support progressive taxation, meaning that wealthier people pay a higher share of their income in tax to help fund public services. [106][109]
The party also tends to support investment in infrastructure, clean energy and job creation. Its official website describes priorities including lowering costs, improving healthcare, creating jobs and ending corruption. [115]
Healthcare and social welfare
Democrats generally support publicly funded or publicly supported social programmes, including healthcare, food assistance and support for older people, children and people on low incomes. [106][109]
Programmes such as Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid are important parts of this tradition. Social Security was established during the New Deal era, while Medicare and Medicaid were created during the 1960s. [108]
Civil rights and equality
The modern Democratic Party generally supports civil-rights protections for minority groups, women and LGBTQ+ people. It also tends to support voting access, anti-discrimination measures and policies intended to promote social equality. [106][109][113]
These positions reflect the party’s post-war realignment, when it became more closely associated with civil-rights reform and progressive social policy. [106][112]
Environment and climate
Environmental protection and climate policy are major themes in modern Democratic politics. The party generally supports measures to reduce pollution, protect natural resources and invest in clean energy. [106][113]
Under President Joe Biden, Democrats enacted significant investments in infrastructure and clean energy, which are often presented by the party as examples of its approach to climate and economic policy. [113]
Immigration and gun policy
Democrats tend to favour less restrictive immigration policies than Republicans and generally support reforms that provide pathways to legal status for some undocumented immigrants. [106]
On guns, the party generally supports stronger gun-control measures, including background checks and restrictions on certain firearms. [106][113]
How the Democratic Party is organised
The Democratic Party is organised at national, state and local levels. The Democratic National Committee, usually called the DNC, is the party’s main national governing body. [110][111]
The DNC organises the party’s national convention, helps draft its political platform, coordinates campaign strategy and supports Democratic candidates in national, state and local elections. It also conducts research and fundraising. [110][111]
The Democratic National Committee
The DNC is headquartered in Washington, D.C. It is responsible for the party’s work between national conventions, although it does not have direct authority over elected Democratic officials. [110][111]
Ken Martin has chaired the DNC since February 2025. The party’s leadership also includes several vice chairs, a treasurer, a secretary and a national finance chair. [111][117]
State and local parties
State Democratic parties play an important role in organising locally, supporting candidates and building voter engagement. The Association of State Democratic Committees describes strong state parties as vital to the success of the national party. [117]
Local party organisations may focus on city councils, county elections, school boards and other local offices. This means that Democratic politics can look different in New York, Texas, California or a smaller rural state.
The Democratic Party in US elections
The Democratic Party competes with the Republican Party in elections for the presidency, Congress, state governorships, state legislatures and many local offices. The two parties have dominated US politics since the mid-nineteenth century. [109][114]
Presidential elections
In a US presidential election, the Democratic Party selects its presidential and vice-presidential nominees through a process involving primaries, caucuses and delegates. The Democratic National Convention formally nominates the candidates. [110][111]
In 2020, Joe Biden won the presidency for the Democratic Party. During the 2024 election campaign, Biden withdrew and Vice-President Kamala Harris became the party’s nominee, but she was defeated by Donald Trump. [107]
Congress and state government
The Democratic Party also contests elections for the House of Representatives and the Senate. In Congress, party leaders help coordinate policy, legislation and political strategy.
At state level, Democratic governors, legislators and local officials make decisions on issues such as education, healthcare, transport, policing and election administration. This is why the party’s influence can vary considerably from one state to another.
How the Democratic Party compares with UK parties
UK readers often try to match US parties directly with British parties, but the comparison is imperfect. The United States has a two-party system, while the UK has several significant parties and a different electoral system.
| Feature | Democratic Party |  WorcesterNightLife’s Worcester Party section is a historical photo archive covering photographs taken between 26 August 2011 and 26 January 2013. It is not a political campaign or election listing, but it offers a useful record of Worcester’s social history and nightlife culture. [10][12] FAQsWhat is the Democratic Party?The Democratic Party is one of the two major political parties in the United States. It is generally associated with centre-to-centre-left politics, social welfare, civil rights and a stronger federal role in the economy. [106][109] When was the Democratic Party founded?The party traces its roots to the 1790s and the Democratic-Republican tradition associated with Thomas Jefferson. It is generally considered to have been founded in its modern form in 1828, during Andrew Jackson’s presidential campaign. [107][114] Who leads the Democratic Party?The Democratic National Committee is the party’s main national governing body. Ken Martin has chaired the DNC since February 2025. [110][111][117] What do Democrats believe?Democrats generally support social and economic equality, civil rights, environmental protection, worker rights and government action to address inequality. They often favour progressive taxation and social welfare programmes. [106][109] Is the Democratic Party the same as the UK Labour Party?No. There are broad similarities in political outlook, but the Democratic Party is a US party operating within a different political system. It includes moderates and progressives, so it cannot be treated as an exact UK equivalent. [112][113] Who is the Democratic Party’s main rival?The Republican Party is the Democratic Party’s main rival. Together, the two parties have dominated US politics since the mid-nineteenth century. [109][114] What is the Democratic National Committee?The Democratic National Committee, or DNC, is the Democratic Party’s national governing body. It organises the party’s national convention, helps develop its platform, coordinates campaigns and supports Democratic candidates. [110][111] Why should UK readers care about the Democratic Party?US political decisions can affect trade, security, climate policy, technology and global news. Understanding the Democratic Party helps UK readers interpret American elections and political debates more accurately. The Democratic Party is best understood as a long-evolving political coalition rather than a fixed set of beliefs. Its history, internal diversity and central role in US elections make it an important subject for anyone trying to understand American politics from a UK perspective. Discover Trusted Partners Explore selected services and resources from our promotional partners. Sponsored recommendations for visitors seeking useful online services. |
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