The Whig Party was a political party in the United States active during the 19th century, primarily from the 1830s to the 1850s. It emerged in opposition to the policies of President Andrew Jackson and the Democratic Party. The Whigs supported a strong legislative branch, economic modernization, and infrastructure development, including roads and canals. The party attracted a diverse coalition, including former Federalists, anti-slavery activists, and supporters of the American System. However, internal divisions over issues like slavery led to its decline, and by the late 1850s, the Whig Party had largely disbanded, paving the way for the formation of the Republican Party.