Who were the main rivals in the Fifth Party System?

The Fifth Party System, which emerged in the United States in the 1930s and lasted until the 1980s, primarily featured the Democrats and Republicans as the dominant political rivals. This system was defined by the New Deal coalition led by the Democratic Party, which included a diverse group of voters such as labor unions, African Americans, and white southerners who aligned with the party due to its response to the Great Depression. The Republicans, on the other hand, positioned themselves as the party of business and conservatism, appealing to those who opposed the expansion of government and economic intervention.

The rivalry between these two parties was characterized by significant ideological differences, with Democrats advocating for a more active role of the government in economic affairs and social welfare while Republicans promoted free-market principles and limited government intervention. This context not only solidified their positions but also shaped the political landscape and voter alignments for decades.

While other groups like Independents and Libertarians have played roles in the political dynamic, especially in specific elections or local contexts, they did not represent the main rivalry within the overarching structure of the Fifth Party System. Therefore, the correct identification of the main rivals during this period is indeed the Democrats and Republicans.