The Age of Jackson is often seen as a turning point in American politics, one where we turn from a politics where few could vote or hold office to one where many could. Define Jacksonian Democracy and show how it changed the political system from what came before. Do the major decisions and controversies of the Jackson presidency (the Bank, Indian removal, etc.) fit into this idea of a new type of politics? In your opinion, is our political system today more influenced by Jacksonian Democracy or what came before?
In my opinion? Jackson brought government to the people, from the elitests. Jackson was a many of the people, whereas before, the leadership of the govenment was of the upper crust, the blue bloods.
You can develope this on your own.
Jacksonian Democracy refers to the political philosophy and policies associated with President Andrew Jackson and his supporters during the period from the late 1820s to the 1840s. It was characterized by a belief in the expansion of democracy, equal rights, and the power of the common man.
One of the main ways Jacksonian Democracy changed the political system was by expanding suffrage. Prior to this era, voting rights were usually restricted to white male property owners. However, Jackson and his followers advocated for the extension of voting rights to all white men, regardless of their wealth or property ownership. This movement towards universal white male suffrage significantly increased the number of people eligible to vote and hold office. It shifted the power away from the elites and opened the door for increased political participation from common citizens.
Another core aspect of Jacksonian Democracy was the belief in equal opportunity and the removal of economic barriers. Jacksonians argued against economic monopolies and believed that the government should support individual liberty and free enterprise. This philosophy clashed with the idea of a centralized national bank, which Jackson vetoed in 1832, viewing it as an institution that concentrated power and served the interests of the wealthy at the expense of the common man.
One of the most controversial aspects of Jacksonian Democracy was the policy of Indian removal. Jackson, driven by the goal of westward expansion and the acquisition of Native American lands, signed the Indian Removal Act of 1830, which led to the forced relocation of several Native American tribes, such as the Cherokee, resulting in the tragic Trail of Tears. This policy contradicted the principles of equal rights and equal opportunity promoted by Jacksonian Democracy, as it denied the rights and sovereignty of Native American tribes.
In assessing the influence of Jacksonian Democracy on the current political system, it is important to note that the evolution of American politics has involved elements from various eras. While some aspects of Jacksonian Democracy, such as the belief in the power of the common man and the expansion of democracy, are still visible in contemporary politics, our current system also incorporates elements from what came before.
For instance, the expansion of suffrage to include women, African Americans, and other minority groups, as well as the rise of political parties and the continued influence of economic elites, are factors that have shaped the modern political landscape. The struggle for civil rights and equal representation has also led to reforms and changes, highlighting the ongoing evolution of our political system.
Ultimately, it can be argued that our current political system is influenced by a combination of Jacksonian Democracy and the political systems that preceded it. The foundations of democracy laid by the Founding Fathers, the abolitionist movement, the Civil Rights Movement, and various other historical events and movements have all contributed to shaping the present-day political landscape.