Jacksonian Democracy
Jacksonian Democracy compared
with Jeffersonian Democracy
Jefferson
• Believed that capable,
well-educated leaders
should govern in
people’s interests.
• Reelected chiefly an
agricultural society.
• Limited democracy
mainly to its political
aspects.
Andy’s turn
Jackson
• Believed that the
people themselves
should manage
governmental affairs.
• Reflected an
agricultural and
industrial society.
• Expanded democracy
to include social and
economic aspects
Political aspects of the Jackson
Era
• 1. Democracy in the states. (qualifications,
elected vice appointed officials, term
lengths.)
• 2. Democracy in Presidential elections.
Down with “King Caucus”. Conventions
instead.
• 3. Democratic view of the Presidency. The
veto, South Carolina challenge, refusal to
enforce Marshall decision regarding the
Cherokee.
• 4. Spoils system. “To the victory belong
the spoils.” Encouraged turnover and this
protected against built-in aristocracy.
Economic aspects of the
Jacksonian Era
• 1. Cheap land. 80 acres for as little as
$1.25 an acre. Squatters rights.
• 2. Growth of Trade Unions. Located
mainly in large cities.
Sectional Issues
The Northeast
Bank
Supported
Internal improvements
Supported
Territorial Expansion
Opposed
Liberal land policy
Opposed
Expansion of Slavery
Opposed the South
Protected Tariff
Favored
Sectional Issues
The West
Protective Tariff
Supported the North
Second Bank of the US
Opposed
Internal improvements
Favored
Liberal Land Policy
Supported
Territorial Expansion
Supported the South
Expansion of Slavery
Utilzed free labor
Sectional Issues
The South
Protective Tariff
Opposed the North
Second Bank of the US
Opposed
Internal Improvements
Opposed Federal expenditures
Liberal Land Policy
Divided
More land v. Western Influence
Territorial Expansion
Favored
Expansion of Slavery
Favored