Democratic Nominee Meets with Top House Democrat in Brooklyn

## Overview of the Democratic Party The Democratic Party is the oldest continuing political party in the United States, with its roots tracing back to 1792 as the Democratic-Republican Party. Founded by Thomas Jefferson and James Madison, it initially advocated for a decentralized government and states' rights, opposing a strong central authority[1][2]. Over time, the party evolved, becoming more progressive and supportive of federal government intervention in social and economic affairs. ## History The modern Democratic Party was formally established in 1828, with Andrew Jackson's presidential campaign marking a significant turning point. Jackson's successful campaign expanded voting rights to all white men, regardless of land ownership, and further reduced federal power[3][6]. The party became deeply divided during the Civil War era, with Northern Democrats supporting limited slavery expansion and Southern Democrats advocating for its perpetuation[3][5]. Post-Civil War, the party became a stronghold for Southern whites who opposed Reconstruction[3]. ## Key Achievements The Democratic Party has played a pivotal role in shaping U.S. history: - **Civil Rights**: The party supported key civil rights legislation, including the Voting Rights Act and the Civil Rights Act of 1964. - **Social Programs**: Democrats have been instrumental in establishing and expanding social programs like Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid. - **Economic Policies**: The party has often championed progressive economic policies, including labor rights and environmental protection. ## Current Status Today, the Democratic Party is a major force in U.S. politics, advocating for a strong federal government role in addressing social and economic issues. It emphasizes progressive policies on healthcare, climate change, and economic inequality[6]. ## Notable Aspects - **Symbolism**: The party's symbol, the donkey, originated from Andrew Jackson's opponents calling him a "jackass," which his supporters adopted as a mascot[6]. - **Diversity**: The party has become increasingly diverse, representing a wide range of socio-economic and

Black Lives Matter (BLM) is a decentralized international social and political movement founded in 2013 by Alicia Garza, Patrisse Cullors, and Ayọ Tometi in response to the acquittal of George Zimmerman, who fatally shot Trayvon Martin. The movement highlights systemic racism, racial inequality, and police brutality disproportionately affecting Black people, advocating for criminal justice reform and Black liberation[1][2][3]. BLM gained significant prominence with nationwide protests following high-profile police killings of African Americans such as Michael Brown in Ferguson, Missouri, and Eric Garner in New York City in 2014. It further surged in 2020 after the murder of George Floyd by Minneapolis police, catalyzing one of the largest protest movements in U.S. history, involving an estimated 15 to 26 million participants. While most demonstrations were peaceful, some escalated into riots and looting in major cities[1][2]. The movement operates primarily as a grassroots network with approximately 40 chapters across the U.S. and Canada, each organizing local campaigns and programs. The Black Lives Matter Global Network Foundation functions as a nonprofit civil rights organization active in the U.S., Canada, and the U.K., focusing on eradicating white supremacy and building Black political power. BLM also engages in voter registration and political education campaigns, particularly targeting younger generations and marginalized communities[1][2][3][5]. Key achievements include raising global awareness about racial injustice, influencing policy debates on police reform, and mobilizing millions for social change. Surveys show strong support for BLM within Black communities, with many recognizing its role in advancing racial justice, although public opinion remains divided on its overall effectiveness[6]. Notably, BLM intersects with technology and data activism through allied groups like Data for Black Lives, which use data science to drive social justice reforms. The movement’s decentralized, tech-enabled model exemplifies modern grassroots organizing, leveraging social media hashtags (#BlackLivesMatter) to amplif