ABSTRACT
At the end of the twentieth century, the Democratic Party was viewed as the political party more supportive of civil liberties than its Republican rival. Yet, it is noteworthy that the Democrats historically have not been the party of civil libertarians. Until the middle of the twentieth century, the party pursued policies hostile to the wishes of advocates of civil liberties. At the outset of World War I, the Democratic president, Woodrow Wilson, signed into law two bills limiting free expression. Under these laws, it became unlawful for anyone to say anything critical of the president, Congress, the American flag, or the military or to oppose the war effort. White House and to control over both houses of Congress. So strong was the reaction against the Republicans that Democratic control of the Senate and House of Representatives gave the new president an excellent opportunity to pass programs to deal with the economic crisis of the Great Depression.
