The Age of Jackson

What is Jacksonian Democracy?

SSUSH7e. Explain Jacksonian Democracy, expanding suffrage, the rise of popular political culture, and the development of American nationalism.

• From the colonial period until the early 1800s, to vote in America you had to be a _________, __________, _____________________.

• If the requirement of owning land was removed, what do you think the effects would be on American politics?

• 1.

• 2.

Expanding Democracy Changes Politics

• Andrew Jackson, a hero from the War of 1812, ran against John Quincy Adams for president in 1824.

» Andrew Jackson

• Neither candidate received a majority of the electoral votes and the House of Representatives had to decide the winner.

• Henry Clay (Speaker of the House) disliked Jackson and used his influence to win the election for Adams.

• Jackson’s supporters accused Adams of stealing the election and formed their own party - the Democratic-Republican Party.

• They are also sometimes called the Jacksonian Democrats.

• During Adams’ presidency, most states started to change the voting requirements for citizens.

• Many states eliminated the property qualification for voting, so the voting population greatly increased.

• This had a huge impact on the 1828 presidential election. The number of voters tripled from 1824 to 1828.

• However, women and free blacks were still not allowed to vote.

Jackson’s New Presidential Style

• Andrew Jackson appealed to the common people, and many of the new voters supported him in the presidential election of 1828.

• Jackson wanted common people to have a chance to participate in the government.

• After taking office he removed 10 percent of federal workers and replaced them with friends and loyal followers.

“to the winner goes the spoils”

• The practice of incoming parties removing former workers and replacing them with supporters is known as the spoils system.

What is Jacksonian Democracy?

• Common people have more say in government

• More equality, more people can vote

As you complete the remainder of the handout, think about what Jacksonian Democracy represents and whether the Indian Removal Act fits or does not fit with the ideas behind Jacksonian Democracy.