Coalition is a group of people with a common interest upon which every political party depends. 
1796-1824: The first party system. 
-Madison warned of 'factions.' 
-Federalist: first political party. 
1828-1856: Jackson and the Democrats versus the Whigs. 
-Modern party founded by Jackson. 
-Whigs formed mainly to oppose Jacksonian Democrats 
1860-1928: Two Republican eras. 
-Rose as antislavery group. 
-1896 election centered on industrialization. 
1932-1964: The New Deal Coalition. 
-Forged by the Democrats. 
-Urban working class, ethic groups, Catholics, Jews, the poor, and Southerners. 
1968-Present: Era of Divided Party government. 
-Divided government is when one party controls Congress and the other controls the White House. 
-Divided government was due to: 
*Party dealignment: disengagement of people from parties as evidenced by shrinking party identification. 
*Party neutrality: people are indifferent to the two parties.