The Jacksonian Era: an introduction

1
The Jacksonian Era an introduction
2
Jeffersonian v. Jacksonian Democracy

• Jeffersonian Democracy believed that capable,
  well educated leaders should govern in the
  peoples interest.
• Jacksonian Democracy believed that the PEOPLE
  should manage government affairs
• Jeffersonian Democracy reflected a chiefly
  agricultural society
• Jacksonian Democracy reflected an agricultural
  AND rising industrial society
• Jeffersonian Democracy limited democracy to
  chiefly its political aspects
• Jacksonian Democracy expanded democracy beyond
  political aspects to include social and economic
  factors
• Jeffersonian democracy the people should be
  governed as little as possible. -- Govt for the
  people
• Jacksonian democracy government should be done
  directly by the people.    -- This idea would
  lead to Jacksons spoils system
• Jeffersonian democracy was created by Jefferson
  Jacksonian democracy pre-dated Jacksons
  presidency produced him.

3
Voting Requirements in the Early 19th c.
4
Voter Turnout 1820 - 1860
5
Growth of Democracy in the Jacksonian Era

• By 1828 most states had
• Removed property and religious qualifications for
  office holding and voting. Now most white males
  could vote.
• Increased the number of elected rather than
  appointed state and local officials
• Given the people a greater check upon elected
  officials by shortening their terms of office
• Spoils system in local and state politics
• Democracy gains in Presidential Elections
• Starting in 1832, presidential candidates of each
  party were no longer named in a caucus of a few
  party leaders, now they were selected by a larger
  number of active party members at a nominating
  convention.
• By 1832 the presidential electors of all but one
  state were chosen directly by the voters, instead
  of by state legislatures.
• Rise of Third Parties 1832 Anti-Masonic Party
• Popular campaigning in presidential state
  political races (baby kissing, parades,
  rallies, floats, etc.)

6
Two-party system returned in the 1832 election

• In response to Jacksons 1st term
• Dem-Reps ? Natl. Reps. (1828) ? Whigs (1832) ?
• v.
• Democrats (1828)

7
Revival of the two party system

• Jackson forms the DEMOCRATS
• Led by Andrew Jackson and (later) Martin Van
  Buren.
• Consisted of small farmers, newly emerging
  businessmen, and city workers (working class).
• Opposed an all-powerful federal government, urged
  greater democracy, and conformed to Jeffersonian
  ideals.
• Opposition formed the NATIONAL
  REPUBLICANS--Later called the WHIGS
• led by Clay, Adams, and later by Daniel Webster.
• Played to the masses, but derived their strength
  chiefly from well established classes - bankers,
  merchants, manufacturers, and large landowners.
• Stood for a strong federal government, a national
  bank, protective tariffs, and favored the
  interests of business - resembled Hamiltons
  Federalist Party.

8
Essential Question
KingAndrew?
OR
Champion of the Common Man?