Jackson…President of the Common Man? AP US History Lecture – Unit 3

A more egalitarian system Alexis de Tocqueville: Egalitarian System: Changes in selection of President: Changes in campaigns: Changes in voting requirements Alexis de Tocqueville: and other foreign visitors often commented on the difference between America and European countries. America seemed more egalitarian Changes in the way presidential candidates were selected: In 1800 only 5 states chose electors to the Electoral College by popular vote By 1824, 18 out of 24 states chose electors this way b. Changes in campaigns: By the 1824 campaign, banners, posters, buttons, and hats were commonplace By the 1828 campaign, these items were mass-produced c. Finally, more people could vote By 1824, the property qualification had been eliminated in most states However, blacks (even free blacks in the North) and women were still excluded from the political process.

Jackson: Biography & As President Born: Western Ties: Political Experience: Popularity: Rewarded Supporters: Born in a log cabin but by the time he became president, he was a planter and a slaveholder. Western Ties: He was the first president from the West and had first achieved fame by fighting Native Americans Political experience: Congressman and senator from Tennessee Territorial governor of Florida 4. Popularity: Very popular with the common people 5. Rewarded Supporters: Jackson showed his loyalty to his supporters by rewarding them politically: “Kitchen Cabinet” – inner circle of his political supporters Spoils system – giving supporter jobs in the government

Return to the Jeffersonian Ideal Jackson believed: Jackson Opposed: Jackson supported “smaller government” contradictions… Jackson believed: as Jefferson did in America as a nation of yeomen farmers Jackson opposed excessive government involvement in economic affairs Feared that only wealthy interests benefited from this involvement Jackson supported “smaller government” Used the power of presidential veto to stop government programs Though Jackson spoke about the need to limit the influence of government in society, he increased the power of the presidency. Opponents called him “King Andrew”

Write in your notes what each cartoon is showing.

Example #1: Nullification Belief: Action after nullification: Congress’ response: President Jackson believed in states’ rights but firmly opposed the concept of nullification Jackson moved troops and federal marshals to South Carolina to collect the tariff payments Congress authorized these decisions when it passed the Force Act

Example #2: Worcester v. Georgia The Constitution states that it is the job of the executive branch to enforce the laws or decisions of the other two branches. Jackson declined to take action to enforce this decision.