CHAPTER 9 JACKSONIAN DEMOCRACY.pptVIP

CHAPTER 9 JACKSONIAN DEMOCRACY The American Nation: A History of the United States, 13th edition Carnes/Garraty “DEMOCRATIZING” POLITICS Jacksonian inauguration and the reign of the “common man” Jefferson: believed ordinary man could be educated to believe what was right Jackson: insisted ordinary man knew what was right by instinct “Servant” replaced by “help” Increasingly democratic elections Most states removed property qualifications By Jackson’s time only Delaware and South Carolina had electors chosen by state legislature rather than by popular vote Soon after 1828 presidential candidates were nominated by party conventions “DEMOCRATIZING” POLITICS Emphasis on idea that every citizen equally important and all should participate in government Final disestablishment of churches Beginnings of free-school movement, early interest in adult education and slow spread of secondary education Increase in number of newspapers and the decline in their prices Eight times as many people voted in 1840 as in 1824 “DEMOCRATIZING” POLITICS With increase in importance of voting came increase in competition among candidates Running campaigns and getting vote out required money, people and organized effort Parties became powerful institutions that instilled loyalty among adherents 1828 election stimulated party formation Created bureaucracies Devoted party workers were rewarded with political offices Candidates decided best way to attract voters was by flattery 1828:The New Party System in Embryo Party system developed as result of battle to succeed John Quincy Adams 1828 election full of character assassination Denigrating remarks about Jackson’s wife and marriage Accusations about Adams conduct in office Unfortunately resulted in high voter turnout THE JACKSONIAN APPEAL Jackson similar to Washington Soldier first Inveterate speculator in western lands Owner of plantation and slaves Man with few intellectual interests and only sketchily educated More like a southern planter t