Jackson Loses, Then Wins, the Presidency€¦ · Web viewJackson knew there would be many new voters in 1828, most of them "common people." To gain their support, he formed a new

CHAPTER 8 HO: Political Changes in the USName: _______________________ Period:_____________

Objective: Students will evaluate how Americans viewed Andrew Jackson following his election in 1828 by creating a political cartoon expressing their thoughts on his actions.

DO NOW!Instructions: Carefully examine the map below of the United States in the mid-1800s and answer the questions that follow.

Former Mayor of Lawrence

1. When William Lantigua was mayor of Lawrence, what did the citizens of Lawrence think of him?

2. When William Lantigua was mayor of Lawrence, some people accused him of hiring many personal friends and supporters to work the jobs in the city.

Do you think there is a problem with that? Why or why not?

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Discussion NotesDemocracy for the Common Man – But Not Woman

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Jackson Loses, Then Wins, the Presidency

Jackson first ran for president in 1824. That year, four candidates ran for president, all of them claiming to be Democratic-Republicans. Each candidate represented the interests of a different section of the country. Jackson managed to attract enough voters in all sections to win the popular vote. However, he did not have enough votes in the Electoral College to win the presidency. In accordance with the Constitution, the election went to the House of Representatives, which chose John Quincy Adams to be president. Jackson's supporters vowed revenge in the next election.

Jackson knew there would be many new voters in 1828, most of them "common people." To gain their support, he formed a new political party known as the Democratic Party [Democratic Party: one of the two major U.S. political parties; founded in 1828 by Andrew Jackson to support a decentralized government and states' rights]. Democrats claimed to speak for ordinary farmers and workers, rather than for the wealthy and privileged few. This new party supported a decentralized government and states' rights.

Jackson's opponent, John Quincy Adams, also headed a new party, the National Republican Party. The National Republicans represented business, shipping, and banking interests in the Northeast. This party favored a strong central government that would fund internal improvements, such as roads and canals, to grow the economy. Southerners feared that they would be taxed in the form of high tariffs to pay for these improvements. They also worried that a stronger federal government might be tempted to interfere with slavery.

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Jackson’s inauguration in 1829 brought a flood of admirers to Washington, D.C. The celebration became a near riot as supporters poured into the White House. As one observer put it, “It was the people’s day and the people’s president, and the people would rule.”


Both parties tried to win voters by avoiding sectional issues and flinging nasty charges at one another. When the mudslinging was over, Jackson's "common man" appeal won him a landslide victory. At his inauguration, Jackson threw open the White House doors to his followers. They tromped through the residence with muddy boots and spilled punch on the furniture. It was a raucous celebration of popular democracy.

Once in office, Jackson rewarded his loyal supporters with government jobs. Those who lost their jobs to make way for Jackson supporters denounced this practice as a spoils system [spoils system: the practice of giving appointed positions in government to people loyal to the party in power]. The name comes from the ancient wartime saying, "To the victor belong the spoils [prizes] of war." Jackson, however, defended "rotation in office" as a democratic reform. Government jobs, he argued, were not the property of an elite few but should be open to all.

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The Alien and Sedition Acts were signed into law by President John Adams, father of John Quincy Adams, in 1798 as the country prepared for war with France. These acts authorized the president to deport noncitizens who were considered “dangerous to the peace and safety of the United States.” The acts also restricted speech that was critical of the government.


Jackson Loses, Then Wins, the Presidency – Page 97 and 98Question: How did Andrew Jackson finally become president in 1828?Make sure you use Democratic Party and Spoils System in response.ANSWER:

CITE EVIDENCE FROM TEXT:

EXTEND YOUR ANSWER:

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ANDREW JACKSON POLITICAL CARTOON ANALYSIS

Instructions: Respond to the set of questions based upon the political cartoons below.

1. What does the artist call and show Andrew Jackson to be? Why?

2. What is the difference between a president and a king?

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1. What does the “motto” or saying on the statue of Jackson appear to say? Why?

2. What is Jackson riding? Why do you think he would be riding that?

3. Does the artist of this political cartoon support Jackson? What are some reasons to support your answer?

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ANDREW JACKSON and SPOILS SYSTEMCREATE YOUR OWN - POLITICAL CARTOON

For this assignment, it will be your responsibility to: Create a political cartoon drawing that breaks down your thoughts on Andrew

Jackson’s policy of hiring his supporters, friends, and family members after he won the presidential election of 1828.

Include a caption or voice bubbles about what people are saying or doing.

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INSTRUCTIONS: As we know, the spoils system is the practice in which a politician or political party gives government jobs to supporters, friends, and family members after winning an election. The job is meant to be a reward because those supporters helped the candidate win the election.


Exit Ticket

1. How did Andrew Jackson win and lose the election in 1824?

2. When he won in 1828, how did former government employees replaced by Jackson’s people respond to losing their jobs?

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Documents

Jackson Loses, Then Wins, the Presidency€¦ · Web viewJackson knew there would be many new voters in 1828, most of them "common people." To gain their support, he formed a new