Key Concepts of Jacksonian Democracy and 19th Century U.S. Politics

Common man

The average American citizen, often a white working-class male, celebrated during Andrew Jackson's presidency as the foundation of democracy.

Universal white male suffrage

The extension of voting rights to all white men, regardless of property ownership or social class.

Party nominating convention

A political gathering where party members choose their candidates for public office, replacing the earlier system of selection by party leaders.

Popular election of presidential electors

A reform allowing voters, rather than state legislatures, to directly choose electors in the Electoral College.

Anti-Masonic Party

The first third party in U.S. history, formed in the 1820s to oppose the perceived secret influence of the Masonic Order and promote political reform.

Popular campaigning

Political strategy emphasizing appealing directly to voters through rallies, slogans, and other forms of mass participation.

Spoils system

The practice of rewarding political supporters with government jobs after winning an election.

Rotation in office

The policy of replacing government officials regularly to prevent corruption and give more citizens a chance to serve in government.

Indian Removal Act (1830)

Law signed by Andrew Jackson that authorized the forced relocation of Native American tribes from their ancestral lands to territories west of the Mississippi River.

Worcester v. Georgia

1832 Supreme Court case ruling that the Cherokee Nation was a distinct community in which state laws had no authority; the decision was ignored by Jackson.

Trail of Tears

The forced march of the Cherokee and other tribes to lands west of the Mississippi, during which thousands died from disease, starvation, and exposure.

"Pet banks"

State banks where President Jackson deposited federal funds after withdrawing them from the Second Bank of the United States.

Specie Circular

1836 executive order requiring payment for government land to be in gold or silver rather than paper money, contributing to the Panic of 1837.

Panic of 1837

A severe economic depression caused by bank failures, inflation, and the Specie Circular during Jackson's era.

John Quincy Adams

Sixth president of the United States (1825-1829), known for the "corrupt bargain" controversy and promoting national improvements.

Henry Clay

Influential senator and political leader who developed the American System and helped negotiate the "corrupt bargain" that secured Adams's presidency.

"Corrupt bargain"

The alleged deal in which Henry Clay supported John Quincy Adams in the 1824 election in exchange for being appointed Secretary of State.

Tariff of 1828 (Tariff of Abominations)

High protective tariff that angered the South, leading to the nullification crisis.

Andrew Jackson

Seventh president of the United States (1829-1837), champion of the "common man," known for his populist policies and Indian removal actions.

States' rights

The belief that individual states have powers independent of the federal government, often invoked to oppose federal laws.

Nullification crisis

A confrontation between South Carolina and the federal government over the state's attempt to nullify the Tariff of 1828.

John C. Calhoun

Vice president under John Quincy Adams and Andrew Jackson; advocate for states' rights and leader during the nullification crisis.

Democrats

Political party led by Andrew Jackson that supported limited government, states' rights, and the "common man."

Whigs

Political party that opposed Andrew Jackson, favoring a strong federal government, national bank, and economic modernization.