The ad hoc coalition that had supported…

The ad hoc coalition that had supported John Quincy Adams had fallen apart after his defeat for reelection in 1828.

The main opposition to Jackson, the new president, is the National Republican Party, or Anti-Jacksonians created and run by Henry Clay.

It shares the same nationalistic outlook as the Adamsites, and wants to use national resources to build a strong economy.

Its platform is Clay's American System of nationally financed internal improvements and a protective tariff, which would promote faster economic development.

More important, by binding together the diverse interests of the different regions, the party intends to promote national unity and harmony.

The National Republicans see the Union as a corporate, organic whole.

Hence, the rank and file members idealize Clay for his comprehensive perspective on the national interest.

Conversely, they disdain those they identify as "party" politicians for pandering to local interests at the expense of the national interest.

The party meets in national convention in late 1831 and nominates Clay for the presidency and John Sergeant for the vice presidency.