CH. 8 SEC. 1

Jacksonian Democracy

Jacksonian Democracy

1828-Andrew Jackson is president. Ushers in a huge change in American society.

Jackson was elected by the common man. Less educated, voted on emotion rather than

intellectualism or logic. Jackson’s presidency represents a changing of the times.

Jacksonian vs. Jeffersonian

Jacksonian democracy is sometimes viewed as different than Jeffersonian democracy in that it favored rule by the uneducated common man. Jacksonian=rule by common man.

Less educated, less elite, but more popular. Jeffersonian=rule by the elite, educated, usually more

qualified.

Themes of Jacksonian Democracy

Jacksonian politics will dominate US political scene from 1828-1860.

Major themes of Jacksonian Democracy: 1. Rise of the political prestige and power of the

common man ‘The common man need not be educated to be of worth’

2. Democratization of the political process. Encouraging political participation of even the

uneducated. How can the common man have more influence and

power than the elite?

Themes continued

3. Rise in power and prestige of the presidency. Financial and political crises contribute; The “Schwarzenegger Factor” Does it revert back to its old ways in the future?

4. Decline in nationalism and rise of sectionalism.

Themes Continued

5. Movement towards universal white male suffrage. Began west, moved east. Elimination of most property requirements.

6. Rise of anti-intellectualism Major dif. Between Jacksonian and Jeffersonian dem.

Jackson as President

Jackson- “The Federal Constitution must be obeyed, states rights preserved, our national debt must be paid, direct taxes and loans avoided, and the federal union preserved. These are the objectives I have in view, and regardless of all consequences, will carry into effect.”

Belief in presidential leadership Unlike his predecessors - Actively sought to pass bills which he

favored Extensive use of veto power- vetoed 12. “he might sometimes be wrong, but he was always a leader”

Peggy Eaton Scandal

Jackson only planned on serving one term. VP John C. Calhoun was expected to take over. Peggy Eaton reading… Significance: One of Americas first “sex scandals” .

Calhoun no longer next in line for POTUS=>Van Buren Calhoun becomes a sectionalist=>advocate of states

rights and lead the charge for nullification. All because of one woman…

Sectionalism

Northeast- commercial interests had been supplanted by

manufacturing interests whose primary concern was a high protective tariff

South- primarily a one crop economy - high tariffs hurt

sales of raw materials and made manufactured goods more expensive

West- primary interest was in free or cheap land and

internal improvements

Spoils System

Spoils System- Jackson’s policy for appointing cabinet members appointment to office is

based on political loyalty rather than qualifications – phrase comes from

William Marcy’s “to the victor belong the spoils of the enemy”

Benefits Negatives

Builds a base of political support - a political machine

Infiltrates new blood into the system - perhaps new ideas

corrupting influence - because you know you won’t be there long

discourages efficiency because you’re not accountable for long

places the operation of government in the hands of the marginally qualified

Spoils System

New Political System

Before Jackson, presidential nominees were chosen on the caucus system. Congressional party members choose the nominee.

Jackson wants to make it more democratic. Supporters replace system with national

nominating convention. Delegates from each state choose the presidential

nominee for their party. Congress chooses=big gov’t States choose=small gov’t

Nullification

South Carolina – Struggling financially bc of high tariffs.

1816 - 25% 1824 - 37% 1828 – 45%

1828-Congress passes “Tariff of Abominations” Extremely high taxes on imports.

Nullification

South Carolina’s response: Threaten to secede, or break away, from the union. John C. Calhoun, VP, was from SC. Torn between his

duties as VP and supporting his fellow S. Carolinians, proposes nullification. Because states created the union, they had the right to

declare a federal law null, or not valid. Gained little support, nullification abandoned in SC in

1828.

Nullification

1830-Nullification erupts again in congress. Senator Robert Hayne (SC) and Senator Daniel

Webster (MA) debate nullification on the senate floor. Haynes- States’ rights Webster- Union must be preserved

Jackson supports Webster

Nullification

Jefferson Day Dinner Toasts: Jackson - “Our federal union, it must be preserved.” Calhoun - “The union, next to our liberty most dear.”

thus a breech develops between the south and west because of the personal conflict involving Calhoun and Jackson

Calhoun resigns and Van Buren becomes Vice President

Nullification

Tariff of 1832 passes through congress. (actually lowered the Tariff of Abominations) S. Carolina nullifies it. Expected other states to follow

suit, none did. Jackson considers the nullification treason=>sends a

warship to Charleston. Congress passes the Force Bill, authorizing POTUS to

use the military to enforce the laws. Sen. Henry Clay pushed through a bill that would

lower tariffs over two years. =>SC repeals its nullification.

Nullification Considered…

No doubt this is an issue today… Basis for:

Social Compact theory of gov’t Undivided sovereignty Minority states interests could be threatened

Basis against: Intent of US was to be an everlasting and perpetual

union. New states are created by the US gov’t, not the states. Need for a supreme law of the land

Do states really govern themselves? Are they sovereign?

Positives for the Bank Negatives Against the Bank

Reduced the number of bank failures

Provided a sound currency

Provide credit and loans to most Americans

Served as a depository for federal funds

Not all Americans can qualify for loans.

MonopolisticConstitutional??

The War for the Bank

The War for the Bank

The Second Bank of the US’ charter was set to expire in 1832. Jackson opposes the bank. –”I do not dislike your bank

any more than I dislike all banks” Nicholas Biddle (sneaky elite) seeks early re-charter.

Jackson vetos the re-charter AND removes deposits. Intended to remove $10 Million in 3 months to state banks.

Biddle calls in loans to apply political pressure. By 1834, Jackson wins the bank war.

Results of the Bank War

Huge economic boom. Gov’t paid off its debt and had $20 M in surplus. State banks were optimistic and handed out loans.

Won’t last…Specie Circular

1836-Called for payment of gov’t lands to be paid in specie (hard currency, no credit) Displayed the US gov’t lack of faith in state bank notes.

Halted expansion, decreased the value of property. Forced banks to call in loans. Banks fail, lead to the Panic of 1837

Jackson and Indians

Americans want to move westward, but at the same time, Native Americans are still present in “America”. Jackson passes Indian Removal Act of 1830

Most NA settle west, the Cherokee of Georgia refuse to move.

After gold is discovered in GA, the state claims their land. Cherokee sue the state.

Worcester v. Georgia

1832- Worcester v. Georgia John Marshall rules a state cannot invalidate a federal

treaty. Therefore, Cherokee cannot be forced to leave. Jackson refuses to support the decision.

1838- Van Buren sends an Army to force the Cherokee to move to Oklahoma. Travel on the Trail of Tears. ¼ of the pop. die on the

way.