The later opponents of slavery in their principles and policies thus allied themselves with the founders of the republic.

They claimed the right to continue to repeat the words of Washington and Jefferson and those of the members of the Virginia Legislature of 1832.

No new doctrines were required.

It was enough simply to reaffirm the fundamental principles of democracy.
The names attached to the party are significant.

It was at first popularly styled the Abolition party, then officially in turn the Liberty party, the Freesoil party, and finally the Republican party.
Republican was the name first applied to the Democratic party--the party of Jefferson.