RISE OF DEMOCRACY LEARNING OBJECTIVES- 11

EQUALITY AND OPPORTUNITY Belief that there should be “equality in opportunity” Democratic spirit- classless society Does opportunity create inequality of wealth- yes!

NEW DEMOCRATIC POLITICAL SYSTEM National Republicans (Whigs)- Henry Clay and John Q Adams Democrats-Jackson supporters Freemasons Moral commitment to temperance, charity and hard work Anti-masonic movement Threat to equality and opportunity Due to secrecy and interests only in “brotherhood”

People look to government to relived distress and prosperity Politicians offer change not independent from society Democratic reform State eliminate property voting qualifications Presidential electors voted in by people and party candidates Life-long politicians Limitations Women and slaves can’t vote

JACKSONIAN ERA (ERA OF THE COMMON MAN) John Q- National Republican, no support Andrew Jackson- Democrat (new party) Beginning of modern politics Spoils system Indian removal, the tariff, and banking were the three major problems Jackson confronted as president. Democracy and Race Push Native Americans off land- Trail of Tears Southern land for Cotton Races were different due to environment vs. “inferior”

TRAIL OF TEARS Worcester v Georgia- Marshall rules with Cherokee, had authority over their lands (protecting property) Jackson ignored court and wen on with Indian Removal Cherokee – held off the longest Chief Ross held captive- released but could not negotiate, and leave by 1838 No guilt- pushed off to other lands (uninhabitable) as a way to “protect” them.

AFRICAN AMERICANS DURING JACKSONIAN ERA Democrats- pro-slavery Voting rights taken away from the free Kept in inferior position-segregation, denied civil rights, discrimination in occupations Set up own ethnic communities Minstrel show- racial stereotyping, ridicule Made low classes feel superior

WHAT IS THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN RACISM AND DEMOCRATIC POLITICS? Heightened fears of failure= racism Equality remain the cry but it was not social reality Democracy strengthened racism excluded from the new democratic system, African- Americans and Indians found their position and rights seriously deteriorating Democracy and racism were linked, racism offered whites a refuge from the uncertainties of living in a market-oriented, supposedly egalitarian society.

NULLIFICATION CRISIS John C. Calhoun Rights of minority vs. political system of majority People of states could nullify federal law that exceeded powers granted to congress Law be null and void in that state Congress could repeal law or create amendment State then could accept or secede from union unfinished