CH7S2 – THE AGE OF JACKSON
Jackson – served in the Revolutionary War, hero of Battle
of New Orleans (nicknamed “Old Hickory”)
Election of 1824
 Jackson won popular vote, but not enough electoral
votes
 House Speaker Henry Clay convinced members to
support John Quincy Adams
 Jacksonians angry – thought he stole the election
 Clay appointed as Secretary of State; angering
Jacksonians “corrupt bargain”
 Left Republican Party – formed new political party
(Democrats)
Election of 1828 – Jackson wins
Many states took away land ownership requirement for
voting, number of voters tripled; many new voters
supported Jackson
Jackson’s Administration:
Appealed to commoners, was very popular “Jacksonian
Democracy” (political power of the common people)
“Spoils System” – Jackson replaced 10% of gov officials
with supporters
“Kitchen cabinet” – close friends who advised Jackson
The National Bank
Jackson vetoed renewal – portrayed Bank as “privileged
institution”, believed small state banks more likely to
support poor farmers
After re-election, Jackson had money taken out of national
bank and put into “pet banks”
Southerners opposed Tariff felt it helped North at their
expense called it the “Tariff of Abominations” (1828)
John Calhoun (Jackson’s VP) said states shouldn’t have to
obey laws they think are unconstitutional called it the
nullification theory
States made Constitution, can reject laws
1830 – Hayne/Webster debate in Senate about state rights
vs. national interests (feud between Jackson and Calhoun)
South Carolina Exposition – If federal gov. didn’t allow
states to nullify law, states had right to leave union
1832 – Congress passed another tariff, SC nullified –
Jackson was enraged
Force Bill of 1833 – Fed gov could use army, force state to
obey
Clay proposed compromise – lower tariff over 10-year
period
Name: _______________________________________
Jackson and the Nullification Crisis
1) According to the South Carolina Ordinance of Nullification, why was
nullification necessary?
2) Why is nullification such a bold move?
3) What was Jackson's response? What is his tone? What is at stake?
4) The nullification issue would be paramount in the years leading up to the Civil
War. Discuss the problems that nullification posed, both in Jackson's day and
modern times.
http://www.pbs.org/kcet/andrewjackson/edu/highschool2viewingguide2.html