The Jacksonian Democracy

"Democracy shows not only its power in reforming governments, but in regenerating a race of men- and this is the greatest blessing of free governments" (Andrew Jackson). During the Jacksonian Revolution, an effective foundation of democracy for the common people was formed. Jackson's new democracy was based off of his own views on government, changes in the voting system, as well as increased awareness in politics.

When Jackson stepped into office, he had already withheld his ideas of how a government should be run, and with his ideas came the basis for the Jacksonian democracy. Jackson's basic belief was that the people should be governed as little as possible. In fact, the people should run the government. Concepts such as these opened up the idea of democratic opportunities. Jackson admired the voice of the common man. He believed that anyone should be able to hold office, no matter his presidential qualifications. The notion, that the aristocratic voice was not the only one to be heard during this Revolution, fabricated a substantial rise toward democracy.

As a result of Jackson's political views, the process of voting changed in favor of the common man, which greatly contributed to the new democracy. The unequal and unjust property qualifications for voting had been abolished during the Jacksonian Revolution. Voting was now based on universal white manhood suffrage. Though there are still flaws in this system, leaving out women and blacks in the voting process, it was still a large contribution for democracy. The people were even choosing the Electoral College during this movement toward political equality. A more democratic way of voting was introduced through the National Nominating Convention. The convention consisted of a larger participation in presidential nomination. With the considerable amount of voting powers vested within the common people, America was becoming even more democratic.

Furthermore, the Jacksonian Revolution created an increased awareness in politics, sparking the colonist interest in getting involved with the government. One of the major causes of the political engagement was the panic of 1819. The governments granting of privileges to the bank infuriated Americans. The citizens left with bank notes, were in other words, left with