Learn on PengiHistory Alive! - The United States Through IndustrialismChapter 4: Launching the New Republic

Lesson 4: Andrew Jackson and the Growth of American Democracy

In this Grade 8 lesson from History Alive! The United States Through Industrialism, students examine how Andrew Jackson's rise to the presidency shaped the growth of American democracy. Students explore key concepts including the corrupt bargain of 1824, the emergence of the Democratic Party, and the practice of mudslinging in the contentious 1828 election. The lesson traces Jackson's frontier background and political career to analyze how his presidency reflected a shift toward representing ordinary farmers and workers rather than the upper class.

Section 1

The Rise of Jacksonian Democracy

Key Idea

In the early 1800s, American democracy expanded. Many states dropped the rule that a man had to own property to vote. This change gave the franchise, or the right to vote, to millions of working-class white men for the first time.

This new group of voters was drawn to Andrew Jackson. Supporters presented him as a "common man" from the western frontier, not a wealthy politician from the East. His popular appeal helped him win the presidency in 1828, signaling a major shift in American politics.

Section 2

The Spoils System and Executive Control

Key Idea

When Andrew Jackson became president, he believed many government officials had been in their jobs for too long. He argued they had lost touch with ordinary Americans and that government work should be open to more people.

Jackson began replacing these officials with his own supporters. This practice of giving government jobs to reward party members became known as the spoils system. For the first time, political loyalty was seen as more important than experience, which helped Jackson strengthen his control over the government.

Section 3

The Nullification Crisis and Federal Power

Key Idea

High federal taxes on imported goods, called tariffs, angered many Southerners. South Carolina was especially furious, arguing the tariffs of 1828 and 1832 unfairly helped Northern factories while hurting the Southern economy.

In response, South Carolina passed an ordinance of nullification. This declared the federal tariffs illegal and not binding on the state. The state argued it had the right to reject a federal law it deemed unconstitutional.

Section 4

The Bank War and Popular Support

Key Idea

In 1832, Henry Clay and other opponents attempted to use the Second Bank of the United States to derail Andrew Jackson’s reelection. They pushed a bill through Congress to renew the Bank’s charter early, hoping a veto would cost Jackson popular support.

Jackson did veto the bill, but he successfully framed the Bank as a corrupt institution of privilege that favored the wealthy over the "common man" (the ordinary, non-elite citizens like farmers and laborers).

Lesson overview

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Section 1

The Rise of Jacksonian Democracy

Key Idea

In the early 1800s, American democracy expanded. Many states dropped the rule that a man had to own property to vote. This change gave the franchise, or the right to vote, to millions of working-class white men for the first time.

This new group of voters was drawn to Andrew Jackson. Supporters presented him as a "common man" from the western frontier, not a wealthy politician from the East. His popular appeal helped him win the presidency in 1828, signaling a major shift in American politics.

Section 2

The Spoils System and Executive Control

Key Idea

When Andrew Jackson became president, he believed many government officials had been in their jobs for too long. He argued they had lost touch with ordinary Americans and that government work should be open to more people.

Jackson began replacing these officials with his own supporters. This practice of giving government jobs to reward party members became known as the spoils system. For the first time, political loyalty was seen as more important than experience, which helped Jackson strengthen his control over the government.

Section 3

The Nullification Crisis and Federal Power

Key Idea

High federal taxes on imported goods, called tariffs, angered many Southerners. South Carolina was especially furious, arguing the tariffs of 1828 and 1832 unfairly helped Northern factories while hurting the Southern economy.

In response, South Carolina passed an ordinance of nullification. This declared the federal tariffs illegal and not binding on the state. The state argued it had the right to reject a federal law it deemed unconstitutional.

Section 4

The Bank War and Popular Support

Key Idea

In 1832, Henry Clay and other opponents attempted to use the Second Bank of the United States to derail Andrew Jackson’s reelection. They pushed a bill through Congress to renew the Bank’s charter early, hoping a veto would cost Jackson popular support.

Jackson did veto the bill, but he successfully framed the Bank as a corrupt institution of privilege that favored the wealthy over the "common man" (the ordinary, non-elite citizens like farmers and laborers).