“The Jacksonian Democrats of the
1830s had virtually the same political
views as the Jeffersonian Democrats of
an earlier era.”
Assess the validity of this statement.
Sam DeWolfe, James Francis, and
Graham Tyson
Jeffersonian and Jacksonian Democracy are the
same in just about every regard. Their views and
goals as presidents were the same. Both are in
favor of the common man and feel that it is the
common people who should have the biggest
influence on government, not the wealthy
aristocrats. They also support states rights and feel
that the federal government should not get involved
with the states affairs. Both Jefferson and Jackson
shared almost identical views on minorities.
The Jeffersonian and Jacksonian Democracies
contrasted and compared to each other in the area
of politics and economics. First, the conditions in
which a citizen was considered eligible for office
holding was similar. In the Jeffersonian Democracy,
an eligible citizen was one that was average rather
than rich and well born. Likewise, Jackson declared
all ordinary and intelligent (white) citizens equally
qualified to serve. However, he eventually started
what is known as the "spoils system" in which longterm officeholders were removed for rotation. Next,
how the candidates for President were chosen was
done differently.
For example, in Jefferson's time the two highest voted
candidates became the President and the Vice-President
of the United States. On the contrary, in the age of
Jackson, a candidate was chosen by a nominating
convention and the President and Vice-President ran for
their offices separately. Last, each man's attitude toward
the Bank of the United States was comparable. Jefferson
encouraged State banks and was originally opposed to
the national bank. Similarly, Jackson and his followers
strongly opposed the Second Bank of America. He won
the "Bank War" by having federal income deposited in
state banks, while he continued to draw money out of the
national bank. In summary, the political and economic
conditions of the Jeffersonian and Jacksonian
Democracies were equally related and different.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it is quite clear to see how sharp and distinct
the similarities and differences were between the
Jeffersonian and Jacksonian Democracies. More
specifically, they are shown in the areas of politics,
economics, social life, and religion. Indeed, their viewpoints,
opinions, and ideas all helped establish the strong
democracy that America has today.