The Republican Party In 1854, in Jackson, MI, the first official
meeting of Republicans took place. It was at this meeting the
Party adopted a platform and nominated candidates for office. In
1856, the Republicans became a national Party when John C.
Fremont was nominated for president. His slogan: “Free soil,
free labor, free speech, free men, Fremont.” Initially the
Republican Party was considered a Third Party as the Democrats
and Whigs represented the two-party system. Four years after
Fremont lost the presidential election, Abraham Lincoln became
president. Through the years, Republicans led the fight for
individuals’ rights in opposition to a large, bloated
government. Republicans abolished slavery, fought for free
speech and defended women’s suffrage. The Party is still
fighting for limited government, streamlined bureaucracy and
individual states’ rights. Republicans have a long history with
basic principles: Individuals, not government, can make the best
decisions; all people are entitled to equal ri