Era of the Common Man

Spoils system

the widespread award of public jobs to political supporters after an electoral victory

American System

the mercantilistic system of national economic development advocated by Henry Clay and adopted by John Adams -- similar to commonwealth system of state government

internal improvement

public works such as the construction of roads and and bridges

corrupt bargain

a politically corrupt bargain in which Henry Clay influeneced the vote to get J. Q. Adams elected in turn Henry Clay bcame secretary of state

Tariff of Abomination

a new protective tariff imposed, very unpopular in the South, that raised taxes significantly on raw materials, textiles, and iron goods

Nullification

the constitutional argument advanced by John C. Calhoun that a state legislature could void a law passed by Congress

States' Rights

an interpretation of the Constitution that exalts the sovreignty of the states and circumscribes the authority of the narional govt.

Trail of Tears

The foreced westward journey of Cherekees from their land in Georgia to present day Oklahoma in 1838- a quater died

Whigs

second national party, arised from the contessment of Andrew Jackson's polocies

Specie circular

an excecutive order that required the Treasurery Department to accept only gold and silver in payment for lands in the national domain

Caucus

a meeting held by a political party to choose candidates, make policies, and enforced party discipline

Daniel Webster

a nationalist who supported the interpretation that celebrated popular svreignty and Congress responsibility to secure the "general wellfare"

John C. Calhoun

a radical in support of states rights and loaclaist federalism

Martin Van Burren

a powerful political leader thant believed in the establishment of factories

Andrew Jackson

a war hero who became president known for his cruelty and sterness