"In the full enjoyment of the gifts of Heaven and the fruits of superior industry, economy, and virtue, every man is equally entitled to protection by law; but when the laws undertake to add to those natural and just advantages artificial distinctions . . . and exclusive privileges . . . the humble members of society-the farmers, mechanics, and laborers . . . have a right to complain of the injustice of their government." - Andrew Jackson, 1832
Politics for the People:
Democracy was gaining respect in the colonies by this time period, and the Federalist party was dying out.
Humble birthplaces (log cabins) were a great aid in a campain to presidency.
Clean-cut, well-dressed intellectuals were looked down upon by the masses.
Andrew Jackson and Davy Crockett were admired for their bold exploits against Indians and the wilderness.
Jeffersonian Democracy said that people were to be governed as little as possible.
Jacksonian Democracy said that whatever governing was to be done should be done by the people.
Old property qualifications were eliminated, and universal white manhood suffrage had replaced it.
Snobby powermongers sneered, but the people were winnign their power.
Nourishing the New Democracy:
Why did political democracy flourish?
Growth of the market economy led to an increase in understanding of how banks, tariffs, and internal improvements affected their lives.
The Panic of 1819 and the Missouri Compromise of 1820 added to the New Democracy.
Bad economy during Monroe's second term led to resent for allowing government to control banks as farmers lost their farms.
People sought control over the government to relace bank notes with hard money, and in some cases, to abolish the banks altogether.
Southerners were awakened with the Missouri Compromise because they were directly affected in the slavery issue.
Voter participation increased from 1/4 of all eligible in 1824 to 1/2 of all eligible in 1828, and 78% turnout in 1840.
A default campaigning style was achieved; mainly parading, open bars, badges, barbecues, etc. Political conflict was considered healthy for democracy.
The Electoral College was elected more and more directly by the people.
Presidential nominations made by congress were looked at badly because they meant the president was indebted to the congress for his position.
New nomination methods were created:1824 - Nominations made by state legislatures
1831 - Nominations made at a national conventionPeople seemed to have more control, though powerful people did most of the decision making.
The Adams-Clay "Corrupt" Bargaining:
Chronology:
1822 - Vesey slave rebellion in Charleston, South Carolina
1824 - Lack of electoral majority for presidency throws election into the House of Representatives
1825 - House elects John Quincy Adams president
1828 - Tariff of 1828 ("Tariff of Abominations")
Jackson elected president
"The South Carolina Exposition" published
1830 - Maysville Road veto
Webster-Hayne debate
1831 - Anti-Masonic party holds first national convention
1832 - Calhoun resigns as vice president