Ch 10

Democracy

A system of government in which the citizens exercise power directly or elect representatives.

Tocqueville on Democracy

Alexis de Tocqueville's assessment that democracy has become essential to U.S. freedom, emphasizing individual initiative and belief in equality.

Panic of 1819

An economic crisis resulting from the burst of an economic bubble linked to excessive land purchases and loans.

Indian Removal Act

A law signed by President Jackson in 1830 that aimed to relocate Native American tribes to lands west of the Mississippi River.

Missouri Compromise

An agreement in 1820 that allowed Missouri to enter as a slave state and Maine as a free state, establishing a boundary for slavery.

Nullification Crisis

A political confrontation during the early 1830s where South Carolina attempted to nullify federal tariffs.

Monroe Doctrine

A U.S. policy that opposed European colonialism in the Americas, stating the U.S. would not interfere in European affairs.

Election of 1824

A controversial election where John Quincy Adams was selected as president by the House of Representatives despite Andrew Jackson winning the popular vote.

The Whig Party

A political party formed in the 1830s opposing Andrew Jackson and promoting the American System.

The Democratic Party

A political party formed in the early 19th century that evolved from the Democratic-Republican Party and focused on states' rights and agrarian interests.

Trail of Tears

The forced relocation of the Cherokee Nation in 1838, resulting in thousands of deaths during their journey.

Cherokee Phoenix

The first Native American newspaper published in the U.S., which represented the interests and views of the Cherokee Nation.

A Son of the Forest

An autobiography by William Apess that advocated for Native American rights and non-violent resistance.

Sovereignty

The authority of a state to govern itself or another state; in the context of Tocqueville, it belongs to the mass of ordinary citizens.

Pet Banks

State banks selected by the U.S. Department of Treasury to receive surplus government funds during Andrew Jackson's presidency.

The Age of Jackson

A period marked by the presidency of Andrew Jackson, characterized by the rise of democracy, the two-party system, and populism.

Public and Private Freedoms

Democratic and Whig interpretations of freedom where Democrats saw it as private rights and Whigs as enhanced by national government.

Hard Money vs. Soft Money

Hard money advocates supported gold and silver as the only reliable currency, while soft money supporters wanted to issue paper currency.