APUSH Jacksonian Democrat's Self-View SAQ Prep

Term - Definition + How To Use In Essay

Spoils System

The practice of rewarding political supporters with government positions under Jackson. —— Highlight how this practice was justified as promoting political democracy but also undermined equality of opportunity through favoritism.

Indian Removal Act

A 1830 law that authorized the forced relocation of Native Americans to lands west of the Mississippi. —— Use this to argue how Jacksonian policies violated individual liberty and contradicted their claims of protecting all citizens' rights.

Trail Of Tears

The forced relocation of Native Americans, resulting in thousands of deaths, following the Indian Removal Act. —— Discuss how this event exposes the contradiction between Jacksonian ideals of liberty and their treatment of Native Americans.

Bank War

Jackson’s opposition to the Second Bank of the U.S., which he viewed as favoring elites and undermining democracy. —— Show how Jackson’s attack on the national bank was framed as protecting democracy but had serious economic consequences for Americans.

Pet Banks

State banks that received federal funds after Jackson dismantled the national bank, leading to uneven economic outcomes. —— Use this to illustrate the economic instability and inequality that followed Jackson’s Bank War, questioning the claim of equal opportunity.

Specie Circular

A policy requiring payment for government land in gold or silver, which led to economic instability. —— Explain how this policy, intended to protect the economy, instead worsened economic inequality and caused the Panic of 1837.

Panic of 1837

A financial crisis caused by Jackson’s economic policies, particularly the Bank War and Specie Circular. —— Use this to argue how Jackson’s economic policies failed to protect equality of opportunity, as the economic depression affected many.

Tariff of Abominations

A protective tariff passed in 1828 that favored the North but hurt the South, leading to sectional tensions. —— Show how this tariff tested Jacksonian Democrats' claims of promoting equality of opportunity, as it favored certain regions over others.

South Carolina Nullification Crisis

A confrontation in which South Carolina sought to nullify federal tariffs, leading to a conflict over states' rights. —— Discuss how Jackson’s forceful opposition to nullification balanced constitutional authority and his defense of federal power.

Force Bill

A law that allowed Jackson to use military force to enforce federal laws during the Nullification Crisis. —— Analyze how this law demonstrated Jacksonian Democrats' prioritization of federal power over states’ rights, showing their view of the Constitution.