Party realignment
What Party realignment means in History A-Level, as defined for AQA.
Definitions of Party realignment
Exam boards and our study guides word this term in slightly different ways. Learn the version your board uses.
Check what you remember
Read the wording for your board, then hide it and explain Party realignment in your own words. Rough notes are fine. This is a self-check, with no mark or grade.
Reference: AQA
Political parties underwent major realignments, with the Republicans championing conservative business interests and the Democrats embracing progressive liberalism and civil rights.
A crucial development in the fluid political landscape, culminating in the 1859 Willis's Rooms meeting which united Whigs, Peelites and Radicals to form the Liberal Party.
Topics that use Party realignment
- 1G Challenge and transformation: Britain, c1851–1964 – Reform and challenge, c1851–c1886 (AQA A-Level)
- 1K The making of a Superpower: USA, 1865–1975 – consequence in this period through the following key questions: (AQA A-Level)
Related terms
- 'self-help'
- Agrarian Reform vs Constitutional Change
- Aristocratic dominance
- Coercion and Conciliation
- Cold War Containment
- Conservatism
- Economic prosperity and disparity
- Economic transformation and class
Using Party realignment in the exam
Check the command word and mark scheme for your exact question. After comparing your explanation with the reference, use the term in an answer on the linked topic. This practice does not predict an exam mark.
Practise History questions
Create a free account to answer exam-style questions on this topic and get feedback on your answers.
A week of Premium from your first lesson · Then the free plan continues · No card, no charge