The Democratic Party, founded in 1828, has had a history of nearly 200 years, and it has certainly had its ups and downs, particularly when the South was able to dominate the party for so long.
But the political transformation that was caused by the Great Depression caused a massive change in the party and nearly a century of accomplishing great domestic legislation, and promoting “progressive” or “liberal” causes that have lasted and benefited tens of millions of Americans.
It was Democratic Presidents and Congresses that created so much positive change, with, sadly, the present attack by Donald Trump and MAGA Republicans being a tragic development that must be reversed after Trump leaves office in January 2029.
Franklin D. Roosevelt and the New Deal (1933-1945) gave us:
Social Security
Fair Labor Standards Act
National Labor Relations Act
Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation
Works Projects Administration
Public Works Administration
Civilian Conservation Corps
Tennessee Vally Authority
Rural Electrification
Under Democratic President Harry Truman (1945-1953)
Expansion of Minimum Wage and Social Security; Civil Rights Commission
Under Democratic President John F. Kennedy (1961-1963)
Civil Rights Advancements; Expansion of Minimum Wage
Lyndon B. Johnson and the Great Societ (1963-1969) gave us:
Medicare and Medicaid
Civil Rights Act
Voting Rights Act
Elementary and Secondary Education Act
War On Poverty
First Environmental and Consumer Legislation
Cabinet Agencies of Housing and Urban Development, Transportation
1970s—with Democratic support, Richard Nixon (1969-1974) signed the Environmental Protection Agency; the Consumer Product Safety Commission.
Under Democratic President Jimmy Carter (1977-1981):
Federal Emergency Management Agency
Massive engagement in Environmental Protection and Advancement
Cabinet Departments of Education, Health And Human Services, Energy
1990s
With Democratic support, George H. W. Bush (1989-1993) signed the Americans with Disabilities Act
Under Bill Clinton (1993-2001)
Family and Medical Leave Act
CHIP and SCHIP–Health Coverage For Children
With Democratic support, George W. Bush (2001-2009), signed Medicare Part D.
Barack Obama Years (2009-2017)
Affordable Care Act
American Recovery and Reinvestment Act
Dodd Frank Act–Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act
Lily Leadbetter Fair Pay Act
Joe Biden Years (2021-2025)
American Rescue Plan (Covid 19)
Inflation Reduction Act
Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act
CHIPS and Science Act