The RKSP was founded 3 June 1926, as the continuation of the General League of Roman Catholic Electoral Associations.

During the 1920s and the 1930s, the RKSP was the biggest party in the Netherlands, receiving a steady 30% percent of the vote at each election.

In 1925 the Ruijs de Beerenbrouck cabinet was composed of the ARP, the CHU and the General League fell over the Dutch representation at the Holy See.

This issue continued to divide the RKSP and the CHU and the ARP, as did the prohibition of traditional marches by Catholic churches and the role of government in the economy.

In this Pope Leo XIII called for stronger government interference in the economy, while denouncing socialism.

The party was a staunch proponent of a corporatist economy, where employer's organisations, unions and state work together for the common good.

Regarding foreign affairs, the RKSP was an advocate of Dutch neutrality, which was to be maintained by a strong army and navy.

Other prominent figures were Charles Ruijs de Beerenbrouck, Prime Minister between 1918 and 1925, and again from 1929 and 1933, and the young Carl Romme, who would lead the KVP in the 1940s and 1950s.