The Age of Jackson:
President Jackson and Jacksonian Democracy
ESSENTIAL LEARNING OBJECTIVES (ELO):
ELO 8.17: Students will identify, describe, and explain the key events, people, and ideas that characterized
the Age of Jackson with an emphasis on the expansion of democracy, the role of the Executive Branch, and
American Indian relations.
LESSON LEARNING OBJECTIVES (TSS):
TSS 8.55: Explain the events and impact of the presidency of Andrew Jackson, including the emergence
[beginning] of ①Jacksonian Democracy ; his use of the ②spoils system and the ③veto
ACTIVITY: Complete Parts 1 and 2 of OneSheet during lecture
The Age of Jackson:
The Emergence of “Jacksonian Democracy”
Background:
 Andrew Jackson won the presidential election of
1828 convincingly. He carried every state but
those in the Northeast corner
 He won largely in part to his reputation as a selfmade man, war hero, and patriot, but also
because he portrayed himself as a common man
who promised “equal protection and equal
benefits” for all Americans
 Jackson would for the most part carry through
with his promise as president, but not without
controversy and challenges
Part 1:
What was “Jacksonian Democracy”?
What was “Jacksonian Democracy”?
 “Jacksonian Democracy” is a term given to
this particular period of American history
(1820s-1830s) that saw an expansion of
popular democracy
 This expansion was fueled by the expansion
of voting rights to non-propertied and
working-class white males
 It was also encouraged by Jackson’s own
personal philosophy that regular citizens of
the country should enjoy the benefits of their
new found political power and have the
opportunities to serve that come along with
it.
Part 2:
What did Jackson do that demonstrated his
philosophy or views?
What did Jackson do that demonstrated his
philosophy or views?
 Jackson believed that the office of the
President was the supreme governmental
office and that a strong nation required a
strong president; much stronger than the
other two branches
 He vetoed as many bills as the previous six
presidents combined and rejected the idea of
Judicial Review for the Supreme Court
 He instituted the “spoils system” or the
practice of giving government jobs to his
political friends and allies. Though this system
would be easily corrupted, it is still (to a
smaller extent) in use today
The Age of Jackson:
President Jackson and Jacksonian Democracy
LESSON LEARNING OBJECTIVES (TSS):
TSS 8.55: Explain the events and impact of the presidency of Andrew Jackson, including the emergence
[beginning] of ①Jacksonian Democracy ; his use of the ②spoils system and the ③veto
REVIEW QUESTIONS:
1.
2.
Describe Jacksonian Democracy, what fueled it and what characteristics it had.
How did Jackson demonstrate his political philosophy in office?
ASSIGNMENT: Read The Tariff Debate (328-329)