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.
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