Andrew Jackson’s Election

Andrew Jackson’s Election

1828

Background

• “The Corrupt Bargain”– Ran in 1824 against John Quincy Adams– Won popular vote, but no majority in electoral

college– Went to House of Reps.– Deal went down…vote for Adams & Henry

Clay gets to be Sec. of State

Rematch!

• 1828• The “National Republicans” v. “Democratic

Republicans”• Very Nasty Campaign…

– Attacks on character & past– Kind of like today!

The Attacks!

• Jackson: violent temper, dueler, executioner of militia men & his wife Rachel was an adulterous.

• Adams: an elitist, wasteful of government money & a “pimp”

Two Sides

• Jackson– South– “Common People”– States Rights– No National Bank– Jeffersonian

Democracy

• JQ Adams– North– Elitist– Wealthy & Educated– Strong Federal Gov’t– National Bank

Jackson’s success

• Jackson’s appeal to the “common” people won the election.– Born in a log cabin– Southern poverty – Held many jobs: farmer, lawyer, shopkeeper

and soldier– Stronghold in South & rural areas…– Got help to take working people in the North

Jackson Wins!

Voters Response

Jackson’s Tragedy

• Rachel dies Dec. 22nd, 1828• She died of a heart attack that he blamed

on the attacks on her character.

Success of the “Common” People!

• The “Common” man wins!

• Overwhelmingly voted in by the common people.

• Jacksonian Democracy :

that the common people should control their government!

Impact on Politics overtime

• More civic participation *we will discuss more tomorrow*

• Election of Senators by the people• “Grass Roots” efforts• Civil Rights/Individual Rights

Spoils System

• Rewarding political supporters with jobs.• Jackson thought people should only holds

civil servant jobs for a few years then go back to what other people do.

• He replaced Republican civil servants with Democrats

Impact Overtime

• Used by presidents through the Civil War• Last used by Garfield…until he was shot!

• Pendleton Civil Service Act, 1883