Glossary
Accessibility of Government Positions
The trend during the Jacksonian era where state and federal government jobs became more attainable for ordinary citizens, rather than being exclusive to the elite.
Example:
Andrew Jackson's administration championed the idea of accessibility of government positions, arguing that common men were just as capable of serving the public as those from established political families.
Albany Regency
A powerful political machine in New York led by Martin Van Buren, which used its control of Congress to oppose John Quincy Adams' policies and consolidate the emerging Democratic Party.
Example:
The Albany Regency demonstrated the growing sophistication of political organization, effectively blocking Adams' initiatives and paving the way for Jackson's rise.
Election of 1824
A pivotal presidential election that ended the Era of Good Feelings, resulted in no majority winner, and was decided by the House of Representatives amidst "corrupt bargain" allegations.
Example:
The controversial outcome of the Election of 1824 fueled Andrew Jackson's supporters, who felt the will of the people had been subverted, setting the stage for his 1828 victory.
Era of the Common Man
A period in the 1820s and 1830s characterized by increased political participation and a shift in power dynamics towards ordinary citizens.
Example:
The election of Andrew Jackson, a self-made man from humble beginnings, symbolized the rise of the Era of the Common Man, challenging the traditional elite in American politics.
Expansion of the Franchise
The broadening of voting rights to include a larger segment of the population, primarily white men, through the abolition of property qualifications.
Example:
The Expansion of the Franchise in the early 19th century dramatically increased the number of eligible voters, leading to higher turnout in presidential elections.
Expansion of the Press
The growth of newspapers and magazines, which increased public access to information and political ideas, fostering greater political awareness.
Example:
The Expansion of the Press meant that political debates and campaign rhetoric, even negative attacks, could reach a much wider audience, influencing public opinion more directly.
Jacksonian Democracy
A political philosophy championed by Andrew Jackson that advocated for greater political participation and representation for ordinary citizens, emphasizing majority rule and the common man.
Example:
The principles of Jacksonian Democracy led to policies like the rotation in office, aiming to prevent a permanent political class and ensure more citizens could serve.
John Quincy Adams' Presidency
The single term of President Adams (1825-1829), marked by his merit-based appointments, opposition to the spoils system, and political obstruction from Jacksonian forces.
Example:
During John Quincy Adams' Presidency, his refusal to engage in political patronage alienated many, making it difficult for him to pass his ambitious legislative agenda.
Lifting Property Requirements
The elimination of property ownership as a prerequisite for voting in many states during the early 19th century.
Example:
By lifting property requirements, states like New York significantly expanded the electorate, allowing more working-class white men to cast their ballots for the first time.
Merit-Based Appointments
The practice, favored by John Quincy Adams, of appointing qualified individuals to government positions based on their skills and experience rather than their political loyalty.
Example:
John Quincy Adams' commitment to Merit-Based Appointments meant he often chose competent individuals from opposing political factions, a stark contrast to the emerging spoils system.
Political Nominating Conventions
A more democratic system where political party candidates for office were chosen by elected delegates from the party's rank-and-file members, replacing older, less representative methods.
Example:
The shift to Political Nominating Conventions meant that a presidential candidate was no longer selected by a small group of congressional leaders but by representatives chosen by party members across the country.
Popular Election of the President
The change in most states allowing voters to directly choose their electors for the Electoral College, making the popular vote more influential in presidential elections.
Example:
The Popular Election of the President meant that citizens felt their individual votes had a more direct impact on who occupied the White House, rather than relying solely on state legislatures.
Populist and Reform Movements
Social and political efforts, such as the Workingmen's Party and the Temperance Movement, that empowered ordinary citizens to advocate for their interests and bring about change.
Example:
The Populist and Reform Movements of the era, like the push for public education, demonstrated how ordinary citizens could organize to influence policy beyond just voting.
Revolution of 1828
The landmark presidential election that saw Andrew Jackson's decisive victory, marking a shift towards a more populist political landscape and the beginning of the Second Party System.
Example:
The massive voter turnout and Jackson's overwhelming win in the Revolution of 1828 signaled a new era where the "common man" held significant political power.
Rise of Political Parties
The emergence and strengthening of organized political groups that actively mobilized the population and encouraged greater participation in elections.
Example:
The intense rivalry between the Democrats and the Whigs during the 1830s exemplified the Rise of Political Parties, transforming elections into mass spectacles with rallies and widespread campaigning.
Second Party System
The political party structure that emerged in the United States after the Election of 1828, primarily characterized by the rivalry between the Democratic Party (led by Jackson) and the Whig Party.
Example:
The Second Party System brought about intense political competition and increased voter engagement, as both Democrats and Whigs actively campaigned for public support.
Secret Ballot
The introduction of a voting method that allowed voters to cast their votes privately, ensuring freedom from intimidation or public pressure.
Example:
The adoption of the secret ballot meant that a factory worker could vote for his preferred candidate without fear of his employer knowing and potentially retaliating.
Spoils System
The practice of a successful political party giving public office to its supporters as a reward for their loyalty and to encourage further party work.
Example:
Andrew Jackson famously embraced the Spoils System, arguing that it democratized government by allowing more ordinary citizens to hold office, even if it meant replacing experienced bureaucrats.
The Corrupt Bargain
The accusation made by Andrew Jackson's supporters that Henry Clay and John Quincy Adams conspired in the 1824 election, leading to Adams' presidency and Clay's appointment as Secretary of State.
Example:
The enduring controversy of The Corrupt Bargain became a rallying cry for Jackson's followers, who believed the political elite had cheated him out of the presidency.
Universal Male Suffrage
The extension of voting rights to all adult white men, regardless of their property ownership, though women and African Americans remained excluded.
Example:
The move towards Universal Male Suffrage was a significant democratic reform, allowing a broader base of white men, from factory workers to small farmers, to participate in elections.