The candidates all belonged to the party of Jefferson, which had been called Democratic- Republican.

In the new divisions, the followers of Jackson took the name of Democrats: the supporters of Adams called themselves National Republicans.

They had thus divided the old name, each claiming the inheritance.

The unpopularity of Mr.Adams's administration had destroyed the prospects of the National-Republican party, and the name was soon displaced by the new and more acceptable title of Whig.

To the joint efforts of Mr.Clay and Mr.Webster more than to all others the formation of the Whig party was due.
It was not, however, in Mr.Webster's nature to become a partisan chief.