Characteristics Of The Jacksonian Democrats

In 1824 Andrew Jackson began a whole new era in American history. His greatest accomplishments during his presidency were evoking the “common man” to become interested in the government and created a society to satisfy the “common mans” needs. The period of antebellum America, 1820-1830, Jacksonian democrats, led by war hero and man of the people Andrew Johnson created a new vastly popular political party. The Jacksonian democrats portrayed themselves as the saviors of the “common man” and attempted to destroy the aristocracy in America. The democrats were essentially guardians of the United States Constitution and the protectors of individual liberties. The Jacksonian democracy was built on the following principles, expanded suffrage,

As the United States grew in size and age, the stratification of society was inevitable. During the 1820’s the class distinction became a major issue. This was due to the vast majority being low or middle class and only a small percent being upper class. This class barrier, detracted from the American ideal of equality for all. The upper class often used their status and power in the government to push themselves further from the lower classes thus making the rich richer and the poor poorer. The Jacksonians began to fight against such acts using materials such as writing. The writing from George Henry Evans “The Working Men’s Declaration of Independence” is one example. The democrats began to call the public’s attention to the oppression by the upper class. President Jackson’s bank vetoed the movement of the Bank of the United States, he felt that the bank was unconstitutional and was a monopoly that only benefited the rich. While this act gained the support of the public it would later bring about an economic disaster. The effort to try and get the “common man” to vote and become more involved in the government was shown in Jackson’s “spoils system” this policy of rotation in office allowed for more people to become involved in the government by rewarding political supporters with offices. This increased the interest of the general population but also had positive and negative effects. Due to the policy, voter turnout doubled in the election of