How VOTING RIGHTS Expanded from 1800-1848 [APUSH Review]

Voting Rights Expansion

The process by which voting rights in the United States increased during the early 19th century, particularly from Jefferson to the Jacksonian era.

Property & Wealth Requirements

Early 1800s restrictions that required voters to own property or pay taxes; by 1848, most white men could vote regardless of these requirements.

Universal White Male Suffrage

A principle promoted during Jacksonian Democracy asserting that all white men should have political rights, expanding the electorate beyond just the elite.

State-Level Reforms

Individual state actions that eliminated property and tax voting requirements, often seen in Western states adopting democratic voting laws.

Impact on Elections & Politics

Increased voter turnout and competition in elections, along with more populist campaign strategies appealing to ordinary voters.

Limits & Exclusions in Voting Rights

The fact that voting rights expansion primarily benefited white men, excluding women, Black Americans, Native Americans, and most free men of color.