Whig doctrine was governed by a very large and diverse group of people that believed in various political ideals. The Whig's opposition to "King" Andrew Jackson represented their belief that the President should not have excessive power: that Congress should initiate policy. Their view of the Constitution varied, yet leaned more towards a loose/liberal, rather than narrow, view.
The Whig Party failed for the same basic reason that the Federalist Party dissolved - they believed in a national economic policy. America, on the other hand, was not unified. Individuals from various states had no feeling of nationalism, and therefore a national economic policy would not support their needs. The Democrats, however, believed in states' rights and therefore easily received votes from a loosely unified nation that was thick with sectional differences and animosities.
From 1791 to 1856 American social and political situations changed drastically in relation to both internal and external affairs. Therefore, political parties changed in ideals and popularity. However, the basic ideology of the evolving parties remained constant, leading to similar adherent interest groups and programs/policies. From the Federalists, to the National Republicans, to the Whigs - the basic principle of these parties was a powerful national economic policy.
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