This divide between the parties has occurred once before and influenced the outcome of a presidential election. Over two centuries ago, the first two political parties in America declared their loyalties to warring foreign nations with dramatic electoral consequences.

Selected by Lindsay M. Chervinsky, the author, most recently, of 'Making the Presidency: John Adams and the Precedent That Forged the Republic.'

Plus: How George Washington almost ruined his own exit from the national stage.

The signs that precede the crumbling of American political parties and the creation of new ones.

As the president’s family discusses his future, it’s a good time to remember the important roles first ladies have played and the criticism they’ve often faced.

On July 4, 1798, the United States Senate passed a sedition law that made it illegal to criticize the Federalist administration or their allies in Congress. Today, the nation once again faces the threat of persecution for political speech.

Lindsay Chervinsky reviews The Age of Acrimony: How Americans Fought to Fix Their Democracy, 1865-1915, “…the dirty tale of how democracy got clean” by Jon Grinspan

Lessons from the life of Lincoln — a review of Allen C. Guelzo’s ‘Our Ancient Faith.’

James Madison’s vision of civic participation.

James Garfield’s assassination led to the end of the spoils system. Today’s GOP wants to take us back.

This Constitution Day, don’t forget about the importance of norms- and how hard it can be to restore them.

Jimmy Carter’s pending funeral is an opportunity to reconsider the official ceremonies honoring our late presidents.

How should a republic honor its leaders?

An anticipated new collection shows that when the nation buries a current or former president, it reveals much about America at the moment of their passing.

A firm accounting of what happened and prosecution of the perpetrators are part of the good news.

The chief executive sets the tone for a transition, but its execution depends on civil servants committed to the institution of the presidency.

Each saw the expansion of rights as key to their national ambitions, writes a noted historian. For LBJ, it was civil rights; for Biden, it was abortion.