Democracy and the Age of Jackson Presented by; Ray Caraker, Sierra N, Gage Travis, Chris Wagner & Ashley Newfarmer

Election of 1824 Monroe announces he won’t be taking 3 rd term. Differences between political parties under the surface. 4 leading Dem. Republicans hoped to replace Monroe in White House. Caucus of Dem. Republicans preferred William Crawford. Caucus: Closed meeting of party members to choose a candidate. Andrew Jackson& Henry Clay provided greater competition.

A Troubled Outcome Jackson won more popular votes than Adams. Jackson did well in the south& west. Adams ran strongest in the Northeast. Neither won a majority of electoral votes needed for election. House of Representatives had to determine outcome of the election. Clay gave support to Adams, who became President.

Cont. Adams appointed Clay Secretary of State Jackson accused them of a “corrupt bargain” Weakened Adams’ Presidency Adams pushed for a program on federal spending for internal improvements& scientific exploration. Critics claimed it was “aristocratic,” favoring the higher class

Jackson Begins His Next Campaign Jackson spent Adams’ term preparing for the next election. Especially relied on Martin Van Buren Buren worked behind the scenes to build support for him Jackson traveled the country rounding up support among voters states started to choose their presidential electors based on popular vote

Cont all states, excluding South Carolina, chose electors by popular vote Use of caucuses replaced by more public conventions where people had bigger voice ¾ all men met property-ownership requirements, but that number slipped New state constitutions expanded electorate by abolishing property requirement  increased election participation Most of new constitutions took vote away from free blacks, women, and American Indians

Jackson Emerges Mid 1820s: Jackson became symbol of American democracy Known as Jacksonian Democracy Jackson’s life reflected nation’s own story of expanding oppourtunity Born in a log cabin Orphaned as a boy Wounded during American Revolution Became a wealthy lawyer& planter in Tennesse

Election of 1828 Jackson’s supporters now called “Democrats” Jacksonian Democracy triumphed in 1828 election The party promised return to Jeffersonian pronciples: Strong states, weak federal government that would not interfere in slavery

A New Party Structure New party developed disciplined system of local& state committees& conventions Cast out anyone who broke with party discipline Rewarded faithful with government jobs Jackson awarded Van Buren by appointing him Secretary of State Democrats defended use of jobs as rewards ford political loyalty

Native American Removal Southern voters expected Jackson to help remove 60,000 Indians in region 5 nations: Cherokee, Chickasaw, Creek, Choctaw& Seminole Many had adopted white American culture Sequoyah invented writing system for Cherokee language Five southeastern tribes became known as “five civilized tribes”

Cont. Many southern whites denounced Indian civilizations States of Georgia, Mississippi& Alabama dissolved Indian governments& seized their lands Indians went to appeal in court& John Marshall tried to help them  ruled land seizure as unconstitutional Jackson ignored court’s decision Indian Removal Act: sought to peacefully negotiate exchange of Indian lands in South for new lands in modern day Oklahoma