Final answer:
The second American party system consisted of the Democratic Party and the Whig Party. These parties represented a divide in political philosophy, particularly over government's role and the contentious issue of slavery. The Whig Party declined after the election of 1852, leading to new parties and the eventual rise of the modern Republican Party.
Step-by-step explanation:
The national political parties of the second American party system were the Democratic Party and the Whig Party. This period of political history in the United States was characterized by significant debates on the scope of government, economic development, and, notably, the issue of slavery. The Democrats, who supported Andrew Jackson, favored a government that reflected the majority's will and worked for the common citizen's interest. On the other side, the Whigs held nationalist views and believed in the government's vital role in driving economic growth. The second party system came into existence as Americans were divided over Jackson's Presidential policies.
The collapse of the second party system began with the contentious issues that arose after the Mexican-American War, leading to the Whigs' decline after the 1852 election. New parties, including the Know-Nothing Party and the Republican Party, emerged, providing the foundation for the modern two-party system consisting now of the Democrats and Republicans. Notably, the Republican Party eventually superseded the Whigs in national importance, particularly due to its strong support from the North in opposition to the spread of slavery.