AMSCO Chapter 10
Reading Questions
Chapter 10 is a very important chapter. Use the following questions to focus your
reading notes on Jacksonian Democracy.
1.
Define “Jacksonian Democracy”. Why is Andrew Jackson associated with the
political changes that are taking place in The United States at this time? Does
Jackson deserve to be the figurehead of the era?
2.
The book identifies 8 factors that contribute to the rise of the “common
man” during this era. Be able to identify and explain all 8.
3.
What was the “Tariff of Abominations”? What role does it play in the
election of 1828?
4.
What factors led to Jackson’s easy victory in the election of 1828? Why did
his supporters refer to the election as the “Revolution of 1828”?
5.
Why might Jackson be described as “an extraordinary ordinary man”?
6.
Where does Jackson rank on the 2009 C-Span ranking of American
presidents? Why do you think he holds this rank?
7.
How was the Maysville Road veto consistent with Jackson’s view of the
presidency?
8.
While the Peggy Eaton Affair may seem petty and inconsequential, it is
significant for a number or reasons. Identify 3 reasons why the affair is
significant.
a.
b.
c.
9.
Was the Indian Removal Act consistent with the principals of Jacksonian
Democracy? Why/Why not? What was the “Trail of Tears”?
10.
What did the Supreme Court rule in the Cherokee Nation v. Georgia and
Worchester v. Georgia cases? What was Jackson’s response to the Supreme
Court’s rulings?
11.
What events sparked the nullification crisis? What is the principle of
nullification? Who supported it? What was Jackson’s response to South
Carolina’s nullification of the Tariff of Abominations?
12.
Name three supporters of the principle of nullification. Name three
supporters of federal authority.
13.
Was Jackson consistent in his support of federal authority? Why not?
14.
Why did Jackson veto the bank-recharter bill? What were the consequences
of his bank veto?
15.
What new political parties will form during the Jacksonian Era? Who will lead
each party? What will each party stand for?
16.
Who is Jackson’s successor in the Democratic Party? What will characterize
his presidency?
17.
How can it be said of the 1840 election that “the Whigs out Jackson the
Democrats”?