Jacksonian Democracy

What is democracy? What makes a country democratic?

Democracy- a system of government in which power is vested in the people

Who could vote in early 19 th century America? How did we choose the President? How did we choose members of Congress? To what extent was this democracy?

Analyze the movement toward greater democracy and its impact. Describe the personal and political qualities of Andrew Jackson. Summarize the causes and effects of the removal of Native Americans in the early 1800s. Objectives

Terms and People caucus - a meeting of party members for the purpose of choosing a candidate. Andrew Jackson – popular war hero elected president as a Democrat in 1828 Martin Van Buren – Jackson’s campaign manager who ran the first modern election campaign in 1828 Jacksonian Democracy – a movement toward greater popular democracy and recognition of the common people as symbolized by Andrew Jackson

Terms and People (continued) spoils system – practice of giving government jobs to loyal party supporters Indian Removal Act – 1830 Act forcing the relocation of the Five Civilized Tribes from the southeast to present day Oklahoma Trail of Tears – forced march to Oklahoma in the winter of 1838, during which 4,000 Cherokees died

What changes did Andrew Jackson represent in American political life? In 1824, a new political party emerged, signaling a shift in American culture. The nation’s concept of democracy was changing. The era became known for one towering and controversial figure: Andrew Jackson.

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“Corrupt Bargain” of 1824 John Quincy Adams, Henry Clay, William Crawford, and Andrew Jackson Jackson won the popular vote but failed to win a majority of the electoral vote Election went to the House of Representatives According to the 12 th Amendment, the House had to choose from the top three candidates – Clay eliminated but presided over the House

When Adams named Clay to be Secretary of State, Jackson angrily called it a “corrupt bargain” and started preparing early to defeat Adams in In the House of Representatives, Adams was selected after Clay threw his support behind Adams.

The House chose Adams in 1825 Clay was made Secretary of State, the prized cabinet position While no real evidence of a corrupt bargain exists, Jackson supporters were outraged

John Quincy Adams Son of John Adams Adams was a successful Secretary of State, but not a very successful president

Election of 1828 John Quincy Adams- National Republican Andrew Jackson- Democratic-Republican Mudslinging reached new lows The election demonstrated the emerging political power of the western states.

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Jackson symbolized the rise of new democratic ideals uniting city workers, western settlers, and southern farmers against privileged “aristocrats.” This combination came to be known as “Jacksonian Democracy.” Andrew Jackson won the Presidency in 1828.

A new acceptance of the necessity of political parties developed A new two-party system emerged This was accompanied by new forms of politicking Voter turnout rose dramatically – About 50% in 1828; 78% in 1840

“Old Hickory” as President The first president from the West, the first nominated at a formal party convention and only the second without a college degree A “frontier aristocrat” who owned many slaves His election symbolized the rise of the masses – A new spirit of mass democracy and popular involvement swept society

Born poor in a log cabin, Jackson was orphaned as a boy and wounded in the Revolutionary War. As an adult, he ventured west, earned a fortune as a lawyer and planter, and fame as an Indian fighter, and he was the hero of the Battle of New Orleans. His inauguration was attended by a rowdy crowd of common people. As the “People’s President,” Jackson symbolized America’s “get ahead” and “self-made” image.

Under Martin Van Buren his campaign was the first to be run in a disciplined and professional fashion. Opponents were replaced in government jobs by supporters, using what critics called “the spoils system.” Jackson promised a weak federal government but was ruthless against anyone who challenged his decisions. Jackson’s followers called themselves “Democrats.”

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Most states became more democratic in the Jacksonian era. By 1836, every state except South Carolina selected electors for the President based on popular vote. Increasingly, popular elections replaced caucuses for selecting state and local officials. New state constitutions dropped property qualifications for voting. Participation in elections among white males rose from less than 30% in the 1800s to nearly 80% in 1840.

New state constitutions expanded democracy by including non-property owning workers. Non-whites and women were still restricted. Loopholes that had allowed woman property holders to vote in New Jersey were closed. Free Blacks lost the right to vote in most states even if they owned property. Native Americans were not considered citizens and were not permitted to vote.

In the Southeast, the “five civilized tribes” adopted White American culture. They ran newspapers, schools and churches and elected officials under republican constitutions. Settlers wanted Native land. Many believed Indians to be inferior. Conflict arose between Native Americans and whites

With Jackson’s urging, Congress passed the Indian Removal Act of In 1832, Chief Justice Marshall ruled that the seizure of native lands was unconstitutional. Jackson defied the ruling. “Justice Marshall has made his decision, now let him enforce it.” Jackson supported Southerners and Westerners over Native Americans.

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The five civilized tribes were removed from their lands in the East and sent to “Indian Territory” in Oklahoma.

In 1838, federal troops made 16,000 Cherokee move from the Southeast to Oklahoma. At least 4,000 people died on the Trail of Tears.