Jacksonian America

Throughout the period of 1820-1830, Jacksonian Democrats created a vastly popular political party. They were, of course, led by Andrew Jackson, a war hero and a man of the people. Jackson's followers who created the party were also "for the people." Such ideals were shown throughout various times within the period. The democrats were essentially guardians of the United States Constitution and, similarly, were protectors of individual liberties. In addition to this, the Jacksonian Democrats promoted political democracy, and also the equality of economic opportunity. Thus, the Jacksonian Democrats clearly served as protectors of the people, their individual liberties, their Constitution, their economic opportunities and their political democracy.

Throughout the 1820's to 1830's, Jacksonian Democrats took large strides in political democracy and individual liberty. At this time, the members of the party basically had one overwhelmingly large task on their minds: equal protection and equal benefits to all white male citizens and also, to prevent favoritism towards a specific region or class. Clearly, these ideals reflect what a democrat really is, someone looking for equal rights for all. Of course, in this case, that only applied to white men. This ideal that the democrats always tried to follow was reflected in a variety of different situations throughout the decade. The Jacksonian Democrats were at first strongly against the concept of a spoils system, which gave political positions to people, not solely based on whether they were qualified, but rather, because of their privileged place in society. They believed that a man should always earn their job rightfully. Thus, through this ideal, the democrats provided a more equal political opportunity for all qualified men. The Jacksonian Democrats immediately took action by replacing the aristocrats in the government who enjoyed such a status for no good reason. They set out to form a system which would rotate different people in and out of these jobs. However, the Jacksonians wound up using the spoils system to elect members of their party. By doing this, they had a larger influence in government and could more easily pass laws to help the people. Jackson and his followers were always interested in the rights of the people of the United States. Therefore, when the United States found itself within the Nullification Crisis, Jackson responded immediately and with a just cause. While a threat of rebellion rose in South Carolina, Jackson threatened to send down an army to quash it, before further harm was done. This proves how dangerous nullification could be and how Jackson, a man of the people, would be against it. The threats of South Carolina to secede over such a law threatened the Union. The Union, effectively, was the collaboration of states and the peoples within them made the Union possible. Thus, when a state threatened to leave the Union, and damage it, Jackson was against it. Jacksonian's saw this as a threat to the political democracy within the United States. By breaking up the Union it would make it more vulnerable to a take over from Europe or another foreign country. In addition to this, by destroying the Union, the economic opportunities of citizens would also be hindered. Jackson believed in the voice of the people, but only when it was just. Thus, one can clearly understand that the Jacksonian Democrats firmly believed in the rights and protection of the individual and also political democracy.

The Jacksonian Democrats were largely in favor of equality of economic opportunity and as serving as the guardians of the United States Constitution which shows through various actions they took throughout the time period. The United States' Declaration of Independence contains the words, "All men have the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness." Throughout the times of westward expansion in the United States, citizens often encountered troubles with the Indians. In many cases, the Indians savagely killed the citizens and any who tried to settle on their land. Having rightfully won the land, Jackson took action. It was clear to all that Jackson was not a large supporter of Indians seeing as he led numerous