Andrew Jackson’s Election 1828

Background “The Corrupt Bargain” –Ran in 1824 against John Quincy Adams –Won popular vote, but no majority in electoral college –Went to House of Reps. –Deal went down…vote for Adams & Henry Clay gets to be Sec. of State

Rematch! 1828 The “National Republicans” v. “Democratic Republicans” Very Nasty Campaign… –Attacks on character & past –Kind of like today!

The Attacks! Jackson: violent temper, dueler, executioner of militia men & his wife Rachel was an adulterous. Adams: an elitist, wasteful of government money & a “pimp”

Two Sides Jackson –South –“Common People” –States Rights –No National Bank –Jeffersonian Democracy JQ Adams –North –Elitist –Wealthy & Educated –Strong Federal Gov’t –National Bank

Jackson’s success Jackson’s appeal to the “common” people won the election. –Born in a log cabin –Southern poverty –Held many jobs: farmer, lawyer, shopkeeper and soldier –Stronghold in South & rural areas… –Got help to take working people in the North

Jackson Wins!

Voters Response

Jackson’s Tragedy Rachel dies Dec. 22 nd, 1828 She died of a heart attack that he blamed on the attacks on her character.

Success of the “Common” People! The “Common” man wins! Overwhelmingly voted in by the common people. Jacksonian Democracy : that the common people should control their government!

Impact on Politics overtime More civic participation *we will discuss more tomorrow* Election of Senators by the people “Grass Roots” efforts Civil Rights/Individual Rights

Spoils System Rewarding political supporters with jobs. Jackson thought people should only holds civil servant jobs for a few years then go back to what other people do. He replaced Republican civil servants with Democrats

Impact Overtime Used by presidents through the Civil War Last used by Garfield…until he was shot! Pendleton Civil Service Act, 1883