1990 DBQ Examples

Thesis Statement During the American Democratic revolution in the 1820’s and 1830’s, the expansion of the franchise and the growth of the second party system led to a turning point in American politics. Many newly-enfranchised voters were wary for the new Democratic party and its Jacksonian polices, which encouraged mobocracy and expelled the natives. However, the Jacksonian Democrats stood true to constitutional principles by passing legislation to ensure freedom of political expansion, exerting executive powers to prevent the loss of personal rights, and asserting federal authority to guarantee all citizens as equal opportunity to prosper. Therefore, the Jacksonian Democrats adhered to constitutional ideas, albeit with a few moot inconsistencies regarding the protection of individual rights.

Thesis Statement Jacksonian Democrats claimed to be strict constructionists who worked to preserve their ideals that all people are equal and deserve equal rights and opportunities. However, many of Andrew Jackson’s actions in office largely contradicted his claim that he stood for the common man, the behaviors of Jacksonian Democrats hindered Americans pursuits of personal independences, and Jackson’s financially limiting policies proved that he and his supporters did not truly seek fair fiscal freedoms for the entirety of American’s citizens. Therefore, the Jacksonians’ view of themselves was inaccurate to a great extent and their resulting actions brought excremental impacts on the United States.

Body Paragraph Jacksonians believed that the common man had a place in government and they viewed themselves as the guardians of political democracy. The reform of government was viewed as necessary after an institution of oppression of one class had taken place for a period of time (Doc. A). This shows the importance that Jacksonians placed on individual’s voices in politics. The author’s (say the authors name) point of view is obviously in favor of political democracy and the purpose is to call for action in order that the government grant more power in government to the common man. This was around the same time that Andrew Jackson was elected president, meaning that for years the common man had been oppressed and neglected under John Quincy Adams. People had also been viewed as independent citizens who could solve their own controversies in government offices (Doc. D). This proves that Jacksonian belief of political democracy for all was in effect because people exercised their voce in settling disputes over candidacy. The author’s (write out name) point of views as an outsider commenting on life in America and the purpose is to demonstrate the authority that lies in the common American for politics. The audience is forgivers to the political democracy in America, especially people in Europe.

Outside Information When Andrew Jackson was elected as president in 1828, he was celebrated as being a common man for the common man. This means simply that he was not aloof notable who was blind to the necessity of ordinary people’s voice in government. This proves the view that Jacksonian Democrats had of themselves as protectors of political democracy because of the support Jackson had for the common man being one himself, and his input in politics. The election of Andrew Jackson happened within the context of ongoing democratic reform (that started with the constitution and continues today ). This event reflects the same effects of the republican revolution of 1800 and the election of Thomas Jefferson in Both events highlighted the political freedoms gained by individuals as their voice became more recognized in the government.

Outside Information The Indian Removal Act happened in the context of ongoing westward expansion. Jackson signed it into law and used military force to move Indians who wouldn’t move willingly. This demonstrates a lack of care of personal freedom by forcing people to leave. (Need to expand on the outside info)

Outside Information Although Jackson was an advocate for the people and their unalienable rights he also strongly supported slaver. Slavery and plantation life happened within the context of ongoing oppression of African Americans. Although he was for the people he forgot about the rights of African Americans, completely ignoring the fact that they are humans too. Because of this ideal Jackson is not who he says he is in the context of personal freedoms.