The Growth of Politics
The Growth of Political Participation
Mass Politics
Jacksonian Democracy?
The Growth of Political
Participation
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Americans begin to have organized public
meetings to discuss their government.
Newspapers provided news from various parts of
the nation. Stories address local to national issues.
Entertainment shows are widely attended by
politicians which allows them to talk to the public.
The Growth of Political
Participation
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New Western states
constitutions do not have
property requirements for
voting or holding office
Western local government
offices require elections as
opposed to appointments
This causes office holders to
appeal more to the people
and openly speak to their
constituents
The Rise of Jackson
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People identified with
Jackson’s “self-made man”
image
Those that supported
Jackson were men with little
money but big dreams
The Age of Jackson is a
period when political
supporters are rewarded
with government jobs this
the spoils system
Mass Politics and Campaigns
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Mudslinging is the act of
using rumors or half truths
to discredit one’s political
candidate
The use of parades, political
rallies and “name
recognition” are used to
appeal to the everyone.
Drinks and food are served
at the polls. Fights break out
at polling stations.
The Nasty Things You Say?!
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Adams has made the
White House into a
gambling den.(not
true)
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Jackson is living in sin
with a married
woman. (sorta true)
Jackson had six
soldiers executed.
(yeah, that’s true)
The County Election by Caleb Bingham
Jackson and Democracy
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The Democratic Party is
born through Jackson and
Martin Van Buren.
Called the “Little Magician”
because he introduces
mudslinging and patronage
The party is focused on the
belief of “offering
opportunity” to all white
males and rewarding party
loyalty.
The Whig Party
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The party forms out of
dislike towards Jackson's
policies.
Whigs believe that Jackson
has overstepped his position
as president
It is made up middle-class,
Protestants, business men
who strongly supported
national improvements
“What about me?”
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Women, Blacks and
Native Americans are not
given the right to vote
Hispanics are considered
less than equals
Jacksonian Democracy
was a celebration of
egalitarian ideals for white
males only!