Chapter 9 in brief Jacksonian Democracy

The rise of Democracy Common man seen as capable and intelligent, and given a share in politics Education and information movements New western states: Constitutions that eliminated property qualifications for voting or holding political offices More offices opened to election rather than appointment Presidential electors chosen by popular vote in all but a few states

Officeholders saw themselves more as leaders and representatives; intense campaigns for voters Competition between candidates thus increased money, people, and organization essential to run for office now Parties as powerful institutions Loyal party workers rewarded with positions

Jackson began his campaign for 1828 early (just after 1824)* Jackson’s noncommittal to policies to avoid driving voters away* “Dirtier politics”* Jackson’s wife; Adams’s chess/pool table and career Great voter turnout: Jackson wins Who was Jackson? Neither democrat nor friend of underprivileged Wealthy land speculator: owned large plantation and slaves Manners/lifestyle of Southern Planter *reminds you of today, huh?

Jackson’s Presidency Direct representative of the people Veto-crazy Supported states’ rights and local control Versus Calhoun… Didn’t accept advice well Moderate stance on sectional issues HATRED for the Second Bank Biddle; bank crisis

Indian Removal… Cherokee vs. Georgia Jackson: states’ rights (for the most part…) Marshall Court? Your supplementary readings Nullification Crisis South Carolina: the new Rhode Island Jackson’s pushes with Britain and France

Jacksonian Democrats Suspicion of special privilege and big business Freedom of economic opportunity Political freedoms (for whom?) Ordinary citizens able to perform tasks of gov’t Tended to favor states’ rights The Whigs Opposition to Jackson helped the Whigs coalesce Didn’t care for Jackson’s finance plans or streak of anti-intellectualism Slow to develop; didn’t defeat Van Buren, Jackson’s hand-picked successor

Van Buren Pragmatic, political, and engaging politician Fought Bank of the US and also opposed irresponsible state banks as well Supported infrastructure building, but preferred states take the lead Panic of 1837; cotton decline in 1839; general depression until 1843 Van Buren didn’t cause it but didn’t alleviate it Independent Treasury Act Log Cabin Campaign Tippecanoe and Tyler Too!