“The Jacksonian
Democrats of the 1830s
had virtually the same
political views as the
Jeffersonian Democrats of
an earlier era.”
Thesis
This statement is invalid, due to the fact that
most of the political views of the Jeffersonian
Democrats of the 1830s differed from those of
the Jacksonian Democrats of a later era.
White Manhood Suffrage
Jeffersonians believed that men should own
property in order to vote. It was a test of
character.
Jacksonians believed all white men should be
able to vote.
Citizens Able to Hold
Office
Jeffersonians believed that only the educated
elite should hold office, but was in favor for
educating all.
Jacksonians believed all men were qualified to
hold office and that political positions should be
rotated.
"Chosen Class"
Jeffersonians supported yeoman farmers.
Jacksonians added planters, farmers, laborers,
and mechanics to the "chosen class".
Industrialization
Jeffersonians feared the consequences at first.
Jacksonians accepted industry as vital to the
American economy.
Bank of the United
States
Both groups disapproved the Bank.
Jeffersonians disagreed with the loose
interpretation of the elastic clause.
Jacksonians saw the Bank as a monopoly of the
wealthy.
Social Views on Slavery
Jeffersonians owned slaves but thought slavery
was bad and something that time would soon
get rid of.
Jacksonians owned slaves but weren't very
interested in abolition.
Equality for Women and
Native Americans
Neither saw women or Native Americans as
equals.
Jacksonians had a particular negative attitude
toward Native Americans.
Education
An educated man himself, Jefferson believed
education was necessary for office-holding and
for preparing citizens for participation in a
democracy.
Had little education & believed education was
relatively unimportant.
Religion
To what extent was separation of church and
state accomplished in each period?
Most state constitutions had eliminated
established churches after the Revolution;
Massachusetts, the last state to maintain an
established church, ended the practice in 1834.
Conclusion
While Jeffersonian Democrats and Jacksonian
Democrats agreed on some things, such as
their hatred for the Bank of the United States
and inequality for women and Native
Americans, overall they had different political
views.