Chapter 10.1 “Jacksonian Democracy” (p.322-325)
Name__________________ Hr.___
THE BIG IDEA: The expansion of voting rights and the election of Andrew Jackson signaled
the growing power of the American people.
Expansion of Democracy
 Early 1800s -- many changes in America:
o In the North – craftspeople owned shops being replaced by big factories staffed by
hired workers.
o In the South – small family farms being replaced by large cotton plantations –wealthy
white owners—worked by slaves (Wealth concentrated in fewer hands.)
 Late 1700s view of how government should be managed: should be run by wealthy, property
owning white men
o The result was a growing belief that – the wealthy had all the power in the US—
government policies seemed to help build and maintain that power
 Andrew Jackson: reform-minded, popular war hero, lost the controversial 1824 election
o Popular with/supported by –farmers, settlers, slave owners
o Popular because –they thought he would defend the rights of the common people, &
slave states, disappointed in the way he lost the election of 1824
o Democratic reforms during this period: --some states changed qualifications for
voters—more white male suffrage, revised rules—excluded free blacks from voting,
began nominating conventions where party members (NOT LEADERS) chose
candidates
Election of 1828
 Democratic Party: --formed by Jackson supporters during Election of 1828
 National Republicans: -- the party name Adams supporters began using
 Candidates in 1828 election: John Quincy Adams & Richard Rush vs. Andrew Jackson & John
C. Calhoun
 The Campaign focused on -- candidate personalities
o Jackson: war hero, born poor, rose to success through hard work
Opponents view: hot-tempered, crude, unprepared to be president
o Adams: Harvard graduate, father=second president of US
Opponents view: he was out of touch with everyday people, cold personality
o Outcome of election: Jackson won – record # of popular vote
 Jackson’s Inauguration
o Supporters saw his victory as --win for the common person
o Spoils System: --practice of giving government jobs to political backers
o Martin VanBuren: -- Secretary of State, strong Jackson ally in official cabinet
 Primary Source: Read the inset box on p. 324. How does the author view the people that
support Jackson? –they are a “rabble, a mob” doesn’t think very highly of them
 Biography: Read p. 325 “Andrew Jackson”. Why did Jackson gain loyal friends and fierce
enemies? He gained friends and enemies because he believed in a strong presidency and took
strong actions that people either liked or hated. For example, he vetoed many bills--he
vetoed the rechartering of the 2nd Bank of the US, threatened to send troops into N.
Carolina when they tried to nullify a federal tariff.
p. 324 Questions:
1b.
2b.
2c. Possible answers: