Jeffersonian vs. Jacksonian Democracy

Both Jefferson and Jackson

strengthened the executive branch of government while weakening the federal role.

believed that a strong central government was the enemy of individual liberty.

wanted the national debt paid and loans avoided

believed that the sphere of federal action should be limited to powers explicitly stated in the Constitution. (strict construction)

saw farmers as the chosen people of God.

had little regard for the rights and culture of Native Americans.

Jefferson was the hero of the “gentleman farmer.”

Jackson was the hero of the “average/common/dirt farmer”

Jefferson believed that capable, well-educated people should govern in the interest of the common man.

Jackson believed that the white common man should govern for the common man.

Jefferson believed in government for the people.

Jackson believed in government of/by the people

Jefferson saw democracy reflecting a chiefly agricultural society.

Jackson reflected a more diverse expanding society; agricultural but also frontier and working class

Jefferson was supported by a political center of gravity located along the eastern seaboard.

Jackson was supported by political center of gravity along western and southern seaboard

Jefferson was in office at a time when there were still property and religious qualifications for voting in some areas.

Jackson served when most of voting restrictions were removed; the rise of white male suffrage

Jefferson wanted democracy limited chiefly to its political aspects.

Jackson wanted democracy/equality limited to social/political/economic aspects

Jeff vs Jack theories

• Jefferson was a strong states’ rights advocate, believing in the compact theory of government

  • i.e., the government was created by an agreement of the states.

• Jackson contract theory of government – contract between gov. and people