Final answer:
The early 1800s Democratic Party supported smaller government, was cautious with federal economic involvement, sought to aid the common people, backed infrastructure improvements, and favored extending the vote to all free white men over 21. Their stance opposed the Whigs, who encouraged a more robust federal role in economic growth.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the early 1800s, beliefs of the Democratic Party centered on several key principles. The Democrats supported smaller government and were against the notion of the federal government as a promoter of economic growth, which was a role they felt overly benefited the wealthy elite who had gained power through the market revolution. Instead, they advocated for government restraint on federal support for economic development. The Democrats distinguished themselves as defenders of the 'common people' and were particularly focused on promoting the interests of white working men across all regions. They were supportive of government infrastructure improvements that would benefit these groups but were cautious not to empower the federal government excessively.
The party also strongly backed the notion that the government should reflect the will of the majority, a concept which often translated into support for the extension of suffrage, as seen in their desire to extend the vote to all free white men over the age of 21. This period marked the beginning of the Second Party System and was characterized by the emergence of the Democrats and Whigs as the two dominant political forces, with their political and economic ideologies often at odds.
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