The Republican Party, or Grand Old Party (GOP) is a US Political party. It was founded in 1854 by abolitionists, and free soiliers. It's predecessors being the Whig, and Free Soil Parties. There have been 18 Republican presidents, the first being Abraham Lincoln. The Republican party is characterized by social conservativism, and right wing economic standings which promote free enterprise. The party is a member of the International Democrat Union, which is an alliance of conservative, christain democratic, and liberal-conservative parties.