In the civil war era the republican and democratic parties were “switched” in their liberal and conservative beliefs. Does this mean at some point both parties “slid” from each wing, to the center to the other wing, to where they are today? If so was there a period of general consensus?

by superslowboy

If there was a period of general consensus, was a lot accomplished and was the an attempt to merge parties?

jschooltiger

Hi, while there's always more that can be said, the US party realignment is discussed pretty thoroughly in this section of our FAQ.