Andrew Jackson and the Growth of American Democracy

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and concepts associated with Andrew Jackson's presidency and the growth of American democracy.

Mudslinging

A practice of making reckless accusations against an opponent, particularly in political campaigns.

Nullification

The action of a state declaring a federal law to be null and void or illegal.

Kitchen Cabinet

An informal group of advisors to a political leader, especially the president, who are not members of the official cabinet.

Spoils System

The practice of rewarding political supporters with government jobs.

Indian Removal Act

A law that allowed the president to make treaties to remove Native Americans from their lands in the East to territory in the West.

Jacksonian Democracy

The political philosophy of Andrew Jackson promoting greater democracy for the common man.

Trail of Tears

The forced removal of the Cherokee and other tribes from their homelands to Indian Territory, leading to great suffering and death.

Secede

To withdraw formally from an organization or alliance, such as the U.S. states threatening to leave the Union over tariff laws.

Tariff

A tax imposed by the government on goods imported from other countries, often favoring Northern industry over Southern agriculture.

Despotism

A form of government in which a single entity rules with absolute power, often disregarding the law or the rights of the populace.