What is the legacy of Martin Van Buren?

When assessing the impact and legacy of Martin Van Buren, scholars have generally drawn a distinction between Van Buren's presidency, which they often judge lacking and troubled, and his contributions to the development of the American political system, which they find singular and significant. read more

Martin Van Buren: Impact and Legacy By Joel Silbey When assessing the impact and legacy of Martin Van Buren, scholars have generally drawn a distinction between Van Buren's presidency, which they often judge lacking and troubled, and his contributions to the development of the American political system, which they find singular and significant. read more

The modern American political system, for better or for worse, is the great grandchild of Martin Van Buren. Before him, parties were alliances of governing elites. Through Van Buren’s sense of a changing nation, they became vehicles for the mass mobilization of voters through popular opinion. read more

Martin Van Buren’s legacy: Expert politician, mediocre president December 5, 2017 by Scott Bomboy On the anniversary of Martin Van Buren's birthday, Constitution Daily looks at the man who helped to create our modern two-party political system, well before he became eighth President. read more