Final answer:
The modern Democratic Party originated in the early 19th century as one of the first parties to organize voters at all levels. Its core ideology is centered around democratic liberalism dating back to Enlightenment thinkers. Over time, the Party formed broad coalitions and adapted to changing demographics and societal values within the U.S.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Origins of the Modern Democratic Party
The modern Democratic Party in the United States began to form as an organized political force in the early 19th century. It stemmed from efforts to organize the electorate more broadly amid a period of expanding suffrage rights, which had extended from male property owners to almost all white men. The Democratic Party was among the first to create a structure that focused on mobilizing voters for elections at all levels of government, embodying the emergence of the first modern political party in any democracy worldwide. It also utilized a spoils system, rewarding party loyalty and election support with government jobs.
The ideological roots of today's Democratic Party are centered around democratic liberalism, a lineage that can be traced back to John Locke and developed through the 19th and 20th centuries. This centrality of liberal ideas is also reflected in other, similar parties internationally, like Canada's Liberal Party.
A critical juncture for the Democratic Party was the 1930s when it acquired national power by forming a coalition among low socio-economic status voters, who were religiously and ethnically diverse. Although Southern Democrats held conservative views on racial issues, nationally the party was increasingly inclusive, culminating in the New Deal era under Franklin Roosevelt that brought various groups into the Democratic fold. Over time, the Democratic Party's stance and its coalition have continuously evolved to reflect the changing demographics and ideologies of the United States, highlighting the dynamic nature of political parties in adapting to societal transformations.