how did supporters of andrew jackson try to make the political system more democratic
Supporters of Andrew Jackson, who were known as Jacksonian Democrats, made significant efforts to make the political system more democratic during Jackson's presidency, which spanned from 1829 to 1837. Here are some ways they attempted to achieve this:
1. Expansion of Suffrage: Jacksonian Democrats aimed to extend voting rights to a greater number of white male citizens. They believed that all white men should have the right to vote, irrespective of wealth or property ownership. As a result, several states implemented changes to remove property ownership requirements for suffrage, allowing more people to participate in the democratic process.
2. Party conventions: Previously, political parties relied on behind-the-scenes dealings and political elites to choose candidates for elections. The Jacksonians introduced the concept of party conventions, where delegates from across the country would meet to nominate their party's candidates. This shift allowed for more widespread representation and input from party members.
3. Spoils System: Andrew Jackson implemented the spoils system, which involved rewarding political supporters with government positions and appointments. Previously, these positions were typically occupied by elites and were considered permanent. By distributing government positions among his loyal supporters, Jackson sought to increase political participation and break the monopoly of power held by the elites.
4. Opposition to Central Banks: Jackson and his supporters fiercely opposed the power and influence of central banks, specifically the Second Bank of the United States. They argued that it concentrated wealth and benefited the wealthy elites rather than the common people. Jackson successfully vetoed the rechartering of the bank, leading to its eventual demise. This action was seen as a step towards a more democratic economic system.
It's important to note that while these actions aimed to make the political system more democratic in some aspects, they did not extend to the full inclusion and representation of marginalized groups, such as women, African Americans, and Native Americans. The focus of the Jacksonian era was primarily on expanding the political rights of white male citizens.