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The Democratic Party is one of the two major political parties in the United States, the second being the Republican Party. The origins of the Democratic Party date back to the late 18th century and opposition to the Federalist Party. It acquired its modern name in 1828. Generally speaking, the Democratic Party is to the left of the Republican Party, i.e., more liberal. It tends to be the party of organized labor and of some ethnic minorities. It tends to support a more activist federal government.