11.3 The Age of Jackson
Main Idea
Andrew Jackson’s
election in 1828
brought a new era
of popular
democracy.
Why It Matters Now
Jackson’s use of
presidential powers
laid the foundation
of modern
presidency.
Standards
• 8.4.2 Explain the policy significance of famous
speeches (e.g., Washington’s Farewell Address,
Jefferson’s Inaugural Address, and John Q. Adams’s
Fourth of July 1821 Address).
• 8.4.3 Analyze the rise of capitalism and the economic
problems and conflicts that accompanied it. (e.g.,
Jackson’s opposition to the National Bank; early
decisions of the U.S. Supreme Court that reinforced
the sanctity of contracts and a capitalist economic
system of law).
• 8.8.1 Discuss the election of Andrew Jackson as
president in 1828, the importance of Jacksonian
democracy, and his actions as president (e.g., the
spoils system, veto of the National Bank, policy of
Indian removal, and opposition to the Supreme
Court).
Guided Questions
1. How did Andrew Jackson justify the
spoils system?
2. What were the arguments for and
against the Second Bank of the United
States?
3. What was the conflict between state
and federal powers and how did it lead
to concept of nullification and
secession?
Adams’ July 4, 1821 Speech
“What ever the standard of freedom and
independence has been or shall be unfurled
(open, expressed), there will her [America’s]
heart,… and her prayers be. But she goes not
abroad in search of monsters to destroy. She is
well-wisher to the freedom and independence
of all.”
The United States has no designs
on the territory of other nations or
become a world police.
1824 Election
• Andrew Jackson wins popular vote
and electoral vote, but not majority.
• Adams elected by the House of
Representatives with Clay’s support.
-Clay appointed Secretary of State.
• Jackson claims a “corrupt bargain”.
-Forms Democratic Party to block
Adams policies.
Adam’s Presidency
• “Secret” deal burdened presidency
• Ambitions plans for the country, but
accomplish little.
-Supported Clay’s American System of high
tariffs and infrastructure.
-national university and observatory.
• Lacked political skill to win over
Congress.
Guided Question
• Why did Jackson’s supporters claim there
had been a “corrupt bargain” in the 1824
election?
Answer:
• Jackson wins both popular and electoral
votes, but not a majority. Speaker of the
House Henry Clay helps Adams to be
elected and is rewarded with the position
of Secretary of State.
New Political
Parties/Election of 1828
• Republican Party splits
-National Republicans-Adams
-Democrats-Jackson
• New Whig Party.
Democracy and Citizenship
• Increased suffrage-The right to vote.
-Everyday people should hold office.
• States ease voting qualification; few
require land ownership.
• By 1828, 3X new voters help Jackson
win the presidency.
Spoils System
• Rewarding loyal
supporters with gov.
jobs.
• Limits federal jobs to
four-years terms.
-Furthered democracy.
-Replaces them with
his friends.
- “kitchen cabinet”
Guided Question
• How did Andrew Jackson justify
the spoils system?
Answer:
• He said it furthered democracy,
by putting new people in
government position.
Jackson v. National Bank
• Bank, a safe place to
keep federal money.
-Stable currency.
-Confidence in other
banks.
• Jackson vetoes
recharter of Second
Bank of the United
States.
-privileged institution
that favors the wealthy.
Pet Banks
• Jackson puts fed. money in state banks
loyal to Demo. Party.
-print paper money to excess gold and
silver.
-Gov. demands gold and silver specie
(coins) to pay for land.
-Rush to exchange paper money for
specie, banks stop taking paper.
• B.U.S. can not be saved.
Guided Question
• What were the arguments for and
against the Second Bank of the United
States?
Answer:
• For: Stable money supply and economy.
Lent money to business owners.
• Against: Favored the wealthy. Controlled
the money supply.
Indian Removal Act of 1830
• Remove or Assimilate?
• Jackson says remove them.
• Funds treaties that forces Native Amer.
west.
-pressures some, forcibly removes
others.
Trail of Tears
• 800-mile trip west made on foot.
• Native Amer. robbed by everyone, 30% die from
exposure, disease, and starvation.
State’s Rights & Nullification
• Americans debate powers between the
states and fed. gov. (10th Amendment).
-Tariffs
-federal laws (Alien and Sedition Acts)
• States don’t have to follow a law that are
unconstitutional or object to.
-Expressed by VP John C. Calhoun.
-“(Respect) the rights of the states…[there
would be no Union].”
Nullification, South Carolina Rebels
• Threatens to secede (break off or
leave the U.S.A) due to 1828, 1832
tariffs.
• Congress passes Force Bill.
-Army and navy can be used against
SC.
• Henry Clay proposes tariff that
lowers duties over ten years.
Guided Question
• What was the conflict between state and federal
powers and how did it lead to concept of
nullification and secession?
Answer:
• 10th Amendment reserved powers for the states,
limiting federal power.
• Nullification: Idea that states didn’t have to follow
laws they objected to or were unconstitutional.
• If their rights were challenged, states had the
right to secede (break off) the U.S.A.
Whig Party
• Forms to back
American System,
oppose Jackson.
Jackson’s Legacy
• Martin Van Buren
wins 1836 election
with Jackson’s
help.
Panic of 1837
• Bank closings, collapse of credit
system.
-People lose savings, businesses
bankrupted.
-A third of pop. out of work.
• Van Buren unable to solve economy.
Harrison and Tyler
• Whig William Henry Harrison wins 1840
election.
-Enacts Whig program to revitalize economy.
-Died a month later, succeeded V.P John Tyler.
-Tyler opposes many parts of Whig economic
plan.
Harrison
Tyler
1. How did Andrew Jackson justify the spoils
system? (pg. 228)
2. What were the arguments for and against the
second Bank of the United States? (pg. 236-7)
3. Explain the Trail of Tears and President
Jackson’s respond to the ruling of Worcester
v. Georgia. (pg. 231-233)
4. What was the conflict between state and
federal powers and how did it lead to concept
of nullification and secession? (pg. 238-239)
Vocabulary
1. Andrew Jackson 7. Secede
2. Suffrage
3. Caucus
4. Nominating
Convention
5. Spoils System
6. Nullification
8. Indian Removal
Act
9. Indian Territory
10.Sequoyah
11.Trail of Tear