Jacksonian Democracy

Jacksonian Democracy

Overview

  • Major change in American politics in the 1820s.

  • Marked the end of the first two-party system in U.S. politics.

  • James Monroe re-elected President in 1820; Federalist Party did not contest this election.

    • Signaled a transition towards a second party system.

Context of the 1820 Election

  • Despite the election of 1820 marking an end, sectionalism and disagreements remained in U.S. politics.

  • The need for a new outlet for political expression emerged due to unresolved issues like slavery and economic differences.

The 1824 Election

Candidates and Electoral Votes

  • Four candidates ran:

    • John Quincy Adams: Northeast and New York votes.

    • William Crawford: Votes from Virginia and Georgia.

    • Henry Clay: Votes from the West.

    • Andrew Jackson: Received the most national support; known as a war hero.

  • Result: No candidate received a majority; Jackson had 99 electoral votes (38%), Adams had 84 (32%).

Shift in Voting Systems

  • 1824 was the first election where popular vote was calculated.

  • Individual voters began selecting their presidential electors, moving away from state legislature decision.

Rise of Jacksonian Democracy

Role of Andrew Jackson

  • Andrew Jackson was the first beneficiary of a new system allowing broader popular participation in politics.

  • Portrayed as a self-made man and a national hero.

Electoral College and House of Representatives

  • When no candidate received a majority, the election went to the House.

  • Henry Clay, as Speaker of the House, supported John Quincy Adams, giving him the presidency through his political maneuvering.

The Alleged Corrupt Bargain

Examination of Political Deals

  • Historians debate whether a "corrupt bargain" took place between Adams and Clay.

  • Clay became Secretary of State after helping Adams win the presidency.

  • Historically, many previous presidents had risen through the ranks by serving as Secretary of State.

Impact of John C. Calhoun

Political Alliances

  • Calhoun ran for vice president while Adams became president with Calhoun's support.

  • Calhoun expressed concerns regarding political backroom deals in a letter to a colleague.

  • Transition of power dynamics as the political climate evolved towards greater democracy.

Shift in Political Campaigning

1828 Election Campaign

  • The 1828 election marked America's first substantial political campaign, focused on personal ambition and direct appeals to voters.

  • Jacksonians used the media effectively, positioning Jackson as a "man of the people" against backroom politicians.

Campaign Tactics

  • Political campaigning involved negative ads and sectional rivalries, with Jackson portrayed favorably against Adams and the Northeastern elite.

  • Example: used to politicize Jackson's military actions against those he executed during his service.

Change in Political Environment

  • The election exemplified a new politics that involved public opinion, reducing the influence of previous political alliances.

  • Calhoun foresaw the changing dynamics and gravitated towards Jackson's camp, reflecting a broader shift in the political landscape.