Jacksonian Democracy: Key Events and Policies (1829-1845)

Jacksonian Democracy

Political movement emphasizing the common man's rights.

Election of 1828

Contested between National Republicans and Democrats.

National Republicans

Political party led by J. Q. Adams and Henry Clay.

Democrats

Political party led by Andrew Jackson and John C. Calhoun.

Franchise Enlargement

Elimination of voting requirements to increase voter access.

States' Rights

Advocacy for state power over federal authority.

Popular Vote

Jackson won with 56% of the popular vote.

Spoils System

Practice of appointing supporters to government positions.

Tariff of 1816

Protective tariff harming South Carolina's economy.

Tariff of Abominations

1828 tariff increasing duties, worsening Southern economy.

Nullification

State's right to invalidate federal laws.

South Carolina Exposition

Calhoun's document advocating for nullification.

Compromise Tariff of 1833

Lowered tariffs to ease Southern tensions.

Bank War

Conflict over the Bank of the United States.

Specie Circular

Mandated land purchases in hard currency only.

Indian Removal Act

1830 law facilitating the relocation of Native Americans.

Trail of Tears

Forced relocation resulting in thousands of Cherokee deaths.

Worcester v. Georgia

Supreme Court ruling favoring Cherokee sovereignty.

Martin Van Buren

Jackson's chosen successor as President.

Panic of 1837

Economic crisis caused by land speculation failures.

Independent Treasury Act

1840 law separating federal funds from banks.

Election of 1840

Campaign emphasizing personal appeal and slogans.

Log Cabin Campaign

Whig strategy promoting Harrison's humble origins.

Hard Cider Campaign

Whig campaign promoting Harrison's image as common man.

William Henry Harrison

Whig candidate who won the 1840 election.

John Tyler

Harrison's running mate in the 1840 election.

Charles River Bridge v. Warren Bridge

Supreme Court case favoring community interests over monopolies.

Daniel Webster

Senator who defended the Union against nullification.

Robert Hayne

Senator who supported states' rights and nullification.