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The Democratic Party, also called the Democrat Party by George W. Bush[http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2006/10/20061030-4.html] and other conservatives, is one of the two major political [[parties]] in the [[United States of America]]. It is generally seen as being on the political left of center, while the rival [[Republican Party]] is positioned to the right of center.

The Democratic Party, also called the Democrat Party by George W. Bush[http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2006/10/20061030-4.html] and other conservatives, is one of the two major political [[parties]] in the [[United States of America]]. It is generally seen as being on the political left of center, while the rival [[Republican Party]] is positioned to the right of center.

Like the Republicans, the Democrats are currently selecting their candidate for the 2008 presidential election; the front-runners in the contest are Senator [[Hillary Clinton]] of [[New York]] and Senator [[Barack Obama]] of [[Illinois]]. The most recent president that was a Democrat was [[Bill Clinton]], who served from 1993 to 2001, and whose conduct and record in office remain highly controversial among many Americans, especially conservative Americans. His overall approval ratings, however, were high.[http://www.pollingreport.com/clinton-.htm]  He was impeached by a Republican controlled House of Representatives for lying under oath in a civil case that was ultimately dismissed in court.  

Like the Republicans, the Democrats are currently selecting their candidate for the 2008 AD presidential election; the front-runners in the contest are Senator [[Hillary Clinton]] of [[New York]] and Senator [[Barack Obama]] of [[Illinois]]. The most recent president that was a Democrat was [[Bill Clinton]], who served from 1993 AD to 2001 AD, and whose conduct and record in office remain highly controversial among many Americans, especially conservative Americans. His overall approval ratings, however, were high.[http://www.pollingreport.com/clinton-.htm]  He was impeached by a Republican controlled House of Representatives for lying under oath in a civil case that was ultimately dismissed in court.  

==History==

==History==

The Democratic Party was founded in 1792 by [[Thomas Jefferson]] as a congressional caucus to fight for the [[Bill of Rights]] and to oppose the elitist [[Federalist Party]]. Ironically in view of the party's image as the "party of the common man", Jefferson was a member of the landed gentry and a slave owner.

The Democratic Party was founded in 1792 AD by [[Thomas Jefferson]] as a congressional caucus to fight for the [[Bill of Rights]] and to oppose the elitist [[Federalist Party]]. Ironically in view of the party's image as the "party of the common man", Jefferson was a member of the landed gentry and a slave owner.

In 1798, the party was officially named the "Democratic-Republican Party", and in 1800 Jefferson was elected as the first Democrat [[President of the United States]]. Jefferson served two terms as president with distinction, and was succeeded by another Democrat, [[James Madison]], in 1808. Madison strengthened America's armed forces and helped to reaffirm American independence by defeating the [[United Kingdom]] in the [[War of 1812]]. James Monroe, another Democratic-Republican, was elected president in 1816 and led the nation through a time commonly known as "The Era of Good Feeling". In this period, the party dominated American politics with little opposition.

In 1798 AD, the party was officially named the "Democratic-Republican Party", and in 1800 AD Jefferson was elected as the first Democrat [[President of the United States]]. Jefferson served two terms as president with distinction, and was succeeded by another Democrat, [[James Madison]], in 1808 AD. Madison strengthened America's armed forces and helped to reaffirm American independence by defeating the [[United Kingdom]] in the [[War of 1812]]. James Monroe, another Democratic-Republican, was elected president in 1816 ADand led the nation through a time commonly known as "The Era of Good Feeling". In this period, the party dominated American politics with little opposition.

[[Franklin Roosevelt]], president during the Great Depression and [[Second World War]], was a Democrat, as was his successor, [[Harry Truman]].

[[Franklin Roosevelt]], president during the Great Depression and [[Second World War]], was a Democrat, as was his successor, [[Harry Truman]].