The following is a brief introduction of the Democratic Party in modern history.

Founded in 1828, the Democratic Party is the oldest political party in the United States. With 72 million voters claiming affiliation by 2004, it is also the biggest party and one of the two major parties in the country, with the other being the Republican Party.

Since the late 19th century, the Democratic Party has preferred liberal positions or social liberalism.

Traditionally, the party's supporters were composed of farmers, laborers, and religious and ethnic minorities. But currently, its base also includes well-educated and rich liberals.

In recent decades, the party has followed a centrist economic and more socially progressive agenda, and it believes in the government's role in anti-poverty and social relief efforts.

The Democrats oppose tax cuts and favor a more progressive tax structure to provide more public services. As flagship policies, the party calls for a more affordable and qualified health care and low-cost education. In foreign affairs, it usually opposes unilateralism and believes that the United States should bank on strong alliance and international support.

It is more supported in the northeast region, the Great Lakes region and the Pacific coast.

Having an ideologically diverse base, the party is home to members of social liberals, civil liberals, conservatives, centrists, professionals, economists, academia, labor and the working class.

In terms of racial composition, the party comprises many ethnic minorities, including African Americans, Hispanics, Asian Americans and native Americans.

The most common mascot symbol for the party is donkey.