4.7+Expanding+Democracy

4.7 Expanding Democracy

Changing Politics (1800-1848)

  • Shifts in politics mirrored significant social and economic changes.

Greater Equality

  • Observations of Tocqueville (1830s):

    • Informal manners and democratic attitudes impressed visitors.

    • Mixed social classes in transportation and dining.

    • Dress styles blurred class distinctions, emphasizing a growing principle of equality.

  • Equality of Opportunity:

    • Primarily focused on White males, disregarding the realities of slavery and discrimination.

    • Ideology: The "self-made man" as a cultural hero; no parallel for women, though feminist movements began emerging by the 1840s.

Politics of the Common Man (1824-1840)

Shift in Political Power

  • Politics transitioned from elite groups to middle and lower classes.

  • Contributing factors:

    • New suffrage laws

    • Changes in political parties and campaigns

    • Improved education and newspaper circulation.

Universal White Male Suffrage

  • New states (Indiana, Illinois, Missouri) adopted constitutions granting voting rights to all White males.

  • Abolished religious and property qualifications led to widespread voting eligibility.

  • Voter turnout increased dramatically from about 350,000 in 1824 to over 2.4 million in 1840.

Changes to Political Party Structure

Emergence of Political Parties

  • Political parties became crucial for organizing voters and candidates.

Party Nominating Conventions

  • Shift from closed-door nominations to open conventions (1830s).

  • First convention held by the Anti-Masonic Party, enhancing democratic participation.

Popular Election of Electors

  • By 1832, most states allowed public voting to elect presidential electors.

  • Strengthened the two-party system and required national campaign strategies.

Rise of Third Parties

  • Emergence of parties like the Anti-Masonic Party and the Workingmen's Party, engaging previously apathetic voters.

  • Anti-Masonic Party targeted elite secret societies while the Workingmen's Party sought to unify laborers.

Elected Officials and Voter Participation

Increased Number of Elected Offices

  • Shift to electing more state and local officials bolstered voter engagement.

Popular Campaigning Techniques

  • Candidates tailored campaigns to resonate with common citizens, transforming politics into local entertainment.

  • Campaign events featured parades, rallies, and personal attacks instead of issue-focused discussions.

Spoils System and Rotation of Officeholders

  • Spoils System:

    • Political jobs allocated based on party loyalty; introduced by President Jackson.

    • Used to reinforce party allegiance by replacing non-Democratic officeholders with Democrats.

  • Rotation of Officeholders:

    • Jackson supported limiting terms to allow broader opportunities for Democrats.

    • Suggested that any citizen could hold office, reinforcing democratic values.

4.7 Expanding Democracy

Changing Politics (1800-1848)

Political shifts reflected social/economic changes.

  • Greater Equality:

    • Tocqueville noted informal manners and mixed classes.

    • Ideology celebrated the "self-made man"; women's roles began emerging.

Politics of the Common Man (1824-1840)

  • Shift in Political Power: New suffrage laws and improved voter engagement.

  • Universal White Male Suffrage: New states allowed voting rights for all White males, boosting turnout from 350,000 in 1824 to over 2.4 million in 1840.

  • Political Party Changes: Emergence of parties for organizing voters; open conventions began (1830s); popular elections of electors strengthened party systems.

  • Rise of Third Parties: Engagement of new voters, with the Anti-Masonic and Workingmen's Parties targeting elite interests and labor issues.

  • Increased Elected Offices: Greater voter engagement through local elections and popular campaign techniques; the spoils system under Jackson emphasized party loyalty.