Jacksonian Democracy

Andrew Jackson was a man of action and a popular hero of his time. He was an expansionist who believed in government. These beliefs lead Jackson to encourage every American citizen to participate in government, by voting and speaking out to political bodies responsible for public welfare. He was regarded by many as a symbol of the democratic feelings of the time. Jackson had appeal for the farmer, for the artisan, and for the small-business …

…that enabled politicians to appoint their supporters into administrative offices, arguing that it would lead to increased public participation in politics. They opposed appointive judges. They rewrote many state constitutions to reflect the new values. In national terms, the Jacksonians favored geographical expansion, sometimes justifying it in terms of Manifest Destiny. The Jacksonian Era lasted roughly from Jackson's election until the slavery issue became dominant after 1850 and the American Civil War dramatically reshaped American politics.