Jacksonian Democracy
Aligned to C3.D2.Civ.2 — C3 Framework for Social Studies State Standards.
What this lesson teaches
In the 1820s and 1830s, most states dropped property requirements so that nearly all white men could vote, expanding democracy. President Andrew Jackson rewarded supporters with government jobs (the spoils system) but also forced Native nations off their lands.
Worked example
In 1830 Jackson signed the Indian Removal Act. Despite the Supreme Court ruling in Worcester v. Georgia that Georgia had no authority over the Cherokee, the Cherokee were forced west on the Trail of Tears, and thousands died on the journey.
Practice questions
- What was the spoils system?
- Explain how voting rights expanded during the Age of Jackson and who was still excluded.
- Analyze the contradiction between expanding democracy for white men and forcing Native removal.
Watch the lesson
Every lesson comes with a video taught in English and Spanish — the same video the QR code in the printed workbook opens.
▶ Watch this lessonEn español
La Democracia Jacksoniana
En las décadas de 1820 y 1830, la mayoría de los estados eliminaron los requisitos de propiedad para que casi todos los hombres blancos pudieran votar, ampliando la democracia. El presidente Andrew Jackson premiaba a sus partidarios con empleos públicos (el sistema de botín), pero también expulsó a las naciones indígenas de sus tierras.
Ejemplo: En 1830 Jackson firmó la Ley de Traslado Forzoso de los Indígenas. A pesar de que la Corte Suprema dictaminó en Worcester contra Georgia que Georgia no tenía autoridad sobre los cheroquis, estos fueron obligados a marchar al oeste por el Sendero de las Lágrimas, y miles murieron en el trayecto.
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