4.7 and 4.8 APUSH

Common Man

This refers to the average American citizen during the Jacksonian era, who increasingly participated in politics. Jackson championed the interests of the 'common man,' particularly white male farmers and laborers, as opposed to the elite or wealthy classes.

Universal White Male Suffrage

This refers to the expansion of voting rights to all white men, regardless of property ownership or wealth, during the early 19th century. By the time of Jackson's presidency, most states had eliminated property requirements for voting, making politics more accessible to the 'common man.'

Party Nominating Convention

A formal meeting where political parties select their candidates for public office, including the presidency. This replaced the earlier method of elite congressional caucuses ('King Caucus') and allowed broader party membership to participate in the selection process.

King Caucus

This term was a derogatory nickname for the early practice where members of Congress, in closed-door meetings (caucuses), selected their party's candidates for president. It was seen as undemocratic and elitist. This practice ended with the rise of nominating conventions.

Spoils System

A practice initiated by Andrew Jackson in which political supporters and loyalists were rewarded with government jobs. It was based on the idea that 'to the victor go the spoils.' Jackson believed this rotation in office would promote democracy, but critics argued it led to corruption and incompetence.

Democrats

The political party that emerged around Andrew Jackson, representing the interests of the common people, particularly farmers, and opposing the elites. Democrats favored states' rights and were skeptical of centralized government power, especially in economic matters.

Whigs

A political party formed in opposition to Andrew Jackson and the Democrats. The Whigs favored a stronger federal government, industrial and commercial development, and the American System of economic policies, including tariffs and internal improvements. They were led by figures like Henry Clay.

John Quincy Adams

The 6th President of the United States (1825-1829) and the son of former President John Adams. His election was marked by controversy surrounding the 'corrupt bargain' with Henry Clay. As president, he supported internal improvements and opposed the expansion of slavery.

Henry Clay

A prominent statesman, U.S. Senator, and Speaker of the House, Henry Clay was known as the 'Great Compromiser' for his role in resolving sectional disputes. He helped broker the 'corrupt bargain' that secured John Quincy Adams's presidency and was a key leader of the Whig Party.

John C. Calhoun

A leading politician and theorist from South Carolina, Calhoun served as Vice President under both John Quincy Adams and Andrew Jackson. He was a strong advocate of states' rights, nullification, and slavery. His views helped spark the Nullification Crisis.

Corrupt Bargain

This refers to the alleged deal between John Quincy Adams and Henry Clay during the 1824 presidential election. When no candidate won a majority in the Electoral College, the decision went to the House of Representatives, where Clay, as Speaker, supported Adams, who then appointed Clay as Secretary of State. Jackson's supporters accused them of making a 'corrupt bargain.'

Indian Removal Act (1830)

A law signed by President Andrew Jackson that authorized the forced removal of Native American tribes living east of the Mississippi River to lands west of the river. This policy led to the displacement of thousands of Native Americans, most notably the Cherokee, in what became known as the Trail of Tears.

Cherokee Nation v. Georgia (1831)

A Supreme Court case in which the Cherokee Nation sought federal protection against laws passed by Georgia that stripped them of their rights. The Court ruled that the Cherokee Nation was a 'domestic dependent nation' and did not have standing to sue, but Chief Justice John Marshall acknowledged their sovereignty.

Worcester v. Georgia (1832)

In this Supreme Court case, the Court ruled that the state of Georgia had no authority over Cherokee lands, and only the federal government could deal with Native American nations. President Jackson is famously quoted as disregarding the decision, leading to the enforcement of the Indian Removal Act.

Trail of Tears (1838)

The forced relocation of the Cherokee Nation from their ancestral lands in the southeastern U.S. to the Indian Territory (present-day Oklahoma). Thousands of Cherokee died during the journey due to harsh conditions, disease, and lack of supplies.

Tariff of Abominations (1828)

A nickname given by Southern critics to a high tariff passed during John Quincy Adams's presidency, which was designed to protect northern industry but harmed the southern economy by raising the prices of imported goods and provoking retaliation against U.S. exports.

Nullification Crisis

A political crisis during Andrew Jackson's presidency in which South Carolina, led by John C. Calhoun, declared that it could nullify federal tariffs within its borders. Jackson responded forcefully, asserting the supremacy of federal law, and the crisis was eventually resolved through compromise.

Proclamation to the People of South Carolina (1832)

Andrew Jackson's declaration in response to the Nullification Crisis, in which he asserted the supremacy of the federal government and warned that secession and disunion would not be tolerated. He threatened to use military force if necessary to enforce federal laws.

Jackson's Bank Veto (1832)

Andrew Jackson's veto of the recharter of the Second Bank of the United States. Jackson believed the bank was an unconstitutional concentration of wealth and power that favored elites at the expense of the common man. His veto was a major issue in the election of 1832.

Nicholas Biddle

The president of the Second Bank of the United States during Andrew Jackson's presidency. Biddle clashed with Jackson over the bank's recharter, and his management of the bank became a key issue in Jackson's campaign to dismantle it.

Pet Banks

State banks where Andrew Jackson deposited federal funds after he dismantled the Second Bank of the United States. These banks were often selected based on political loyalty, and their speculative lending practices contributed to economic instability.

Specie Circular (1836)

An executive order issued by Andrew Jackson that required payment for government land to be made in gold or silver (specie) rather than paper currency. This policy aimed to curb land speculation but contributed to the financial instability that led to the Panic of 1837.

Panic of 1837

A severe financial crisis and economic depression in the United States, triggered by a collapse in the banking system, speculation in land, and Jackson's financial policies, including the Specie Circular. Many banks failed, and unemployment and bankruptcies rose dramatically.

Election of 1840

The presidential election in which the Whig candidate, William Henry Harrison, defeated the incumbent Democrat Martin Van Buren. The election was notable for its populist campaign tactics, including the use of slogans like 'Tippecanoe and Tyler Too,' and marked a victory for the Whigs.

The Frontier

Refers to the western regions of the United States that were being settled and explored during the 19th century. The frontier represented opportunity and expansion for many Americans but also conflict with Native American tribes and the displacement of indigenous populations.