Jacksonian democracy was a 19th century political movement that was lead by President Andrew Jackson The movement began in the 1820s, when Jackson was first elected as President of the United States and lasted until the enslavement of African Americans was abolished in 1865. It was a period of rapid political and social transformation, during which the power of the Federal government was increased and the rights of the common people were respected and defended.
The defining characteristic of Jacksonian democracy was its commitment to the rights of the individual. This included the freedom of speech, of assembly, and of the press, as well as the right to bear arms and to own property. Jacksonian democrats also stood for limiting the national government’s power and promoting the rights of the states. They opposed the “tyranny” of the wealthy and powerful, and sought to expand the rights of the common people. The movement was also marked by a rejection of economic privilege and aristocratic elitism, and a dedication to expanding the economic opportunities available to ordinary people.
Five examples of Jacksonian democracy include:
The Indian Removal Act (1830): This act, which was signed by President Andrew Jackson, allowed the federal government to forcibly remove Native American tribes from their homelands in the southeastern United States and relocate them west of the Mississippi River. This act helped to open millions of acres of land for white settlers to inhabit and expand the U.S. economy.
The Specie Circular (1836): This executive order, also signed by President Jackson, required any purchases of federal lands to be paid in gold or silver coins rather than paper money. This measure allowed U.S. citizens to own land without borrowing from the government, and it encouraged the circulation of gold and silver coins rather than paper money.
The Bank War (1832-1836): This was a major political conflict that occurred during Jackson’s administration, when he refused to renew the charter of the Second Bank of the United States. Jackson believed that this institution had too much control over the American economy, and he argued that it favored the wealthy and powerful at the expense of the common people.
The Tariff of Abominations (1828): Signed by President John Quincy Adams, this tariff imposed high taxes on imported goods and was met with fierce resistance by southern states. President Jackson eventually revised the tariff, rolling back some of its most onerous provisions and pleasing many of his supporters in the South.
The Spoils System (1829): This system, also known as the “rotation in office” policy, was an attempt to reduce the power of wealthy elites with political patronage. It allowed federal officeholders to be replaced with new ones every four years, who were chosen by the President. This helped to deflect accusations of corruption and cronyism, as well as to expand the rights of the common people who formerly had little access to government office.