The Shift from Republicanism to Democracy
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The Shift from Republicanism to Democracy

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Questions and Answers

What was the prevailing ideology in government prior to the 1820s?

  • Democracy
  • Monarchy
  • Anarchy
  • Republicanism (correct)

    • How did politicians in the 1820s and 1830s aim to win the support of ordinary Americans?

  • By ignoring public opinion
  • By engaging in exclusive private meetings
  • By rallying supporters through public events and media (correct)
  • By avoiding any competitive elections

    • What did Martin Van Buren assert about governance in a free society?

  • Only educated men should participate in politics
  • The majority should govern (correct)
  • The elite should rule without interference
  • Political power should be inherited

    • What aspect of political life was particularly emphasized by the new breed of politicians in the 1820s?

    <p>Competition for votes</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How did the view of government leaders change from earlier periods to the 1820s?

    <p>From minimal public engagement to active competition for votes</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was a common criticism of Martin Van Buren from republican-minded contemporaries?

    <p>He was seen as overly ambitious and an intriguer</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What role did public gatherings and speeches play in the politics of the 1820s?

    <p>They served as crucial platforms for politicians to connect with voters</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What did the shift to a more democratic system imply about the nature of elections during the 1820s and 1830s?

    <p>They involved more personal engagement from the electorate</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which groups dominated the political system in the new republic?

    <p>Wealthy notables including northern landlords, slave-owning planters, and seaport merchants</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was the primary argument made by John Jay regarding participation in government?

    <p>Those who own the country are the most fit to participate in the government.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How did powerful entrepreneurs and speculators exert influence over local elections?

    <p>By lending money, bribing officials, and providing business incentives.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was the primary goal of the Second Bank of the United States?

    <p>To stabilize the nation’s money supply</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was a consequence of the gentry-dominated political system?

    <p>Restricted access to political participation for those without wealth or connections.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What tactic did speculators use to obtain land grants?

    <p>Paying off influential committee members.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What did Senator Sidney Breese advocate for in relation to Illinois's agricultural products?

    <p>Low duties to stimulate market access</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What principle did Jackson uphold during the tariff crisis?

    <p>National authority as constitutional</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What did Maryland reformers in the 1810s invoke to expand suffrage?

    <p>The equal rights rhetoric of republicanism.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What large advantage did the Seventh Ward Bank of New York City have in the allocation of shares?

    <p>The control of legislative stock allocation, reserving shares for legislators.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why were creditors pleased with the monetary policy of the Second Bank?

    <p>It prevented depreciation of money value</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was a concern associated with democratic politics during this period?

    <p>It was often rife with corruption and ambition.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was the response of expansion-minded bankers during the Bank War?

    <p>They demanded an end to central oversight</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was the legal tender promised by state-chartered banks for their notes?

    <p>Gold or silver coins</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What concern did ordinary Americans have regarding the Second Bank?

    <p>It could drive weak banks to close</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What action did Taney take concerning the situation with the Second Bank?

    <p>Transferred funds to support state banks</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How did James Parton describe Andrew Jackson's capabilities as a general?

    <p>He was ignorant of the art of war.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What contrasting attributes were used to describe Jackson according to Parton?

    <p>A law-defying and law-obeying citizen.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which phrase best captures Philip Hone's view of the Jacksonians’ victory in the 1834 elections?

    <p>A temporary and dangerous triumph.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What did Hone imply about the leaders of the Jacksonian party?

    <p>They manipulated public sentiment for advantage.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the phrase 'the cry of “Down with the aristocracy!”' suggest about the political climate?

    <p>The mobilization of lower-class sentiments against the elite.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How did the citizens of New Orleans participate in Andrew Jackson's campaign?

    <p>By charters a steamer for his transportation.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does Hone mean when he refers to Jackson's vice president's victory as 'mounted on a vicious horse'?

    <p>The victory was deceptive and problematic.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which term best describes Hone's attitude towards the Jacksonian leaders' approach?

    <p>Critical and wary.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What did the authors imply about the system of protection under General Jackson's leadership?

    <p>It was crushed beneath a veto.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In what sense did the authors view Jackson's government as a potential threat?

    <p>It could become more centralized and autocratic.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What characterization did Parton give to Andrew Jackson?

    <p>A democratic autocrat.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What effect did the authors suggest Jackson's presidency might have on American liberties?

    <p>It could lead to the erosion of established freedoms.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How did Tocqueville’s perspective differ in his assessment of Jackson?

    <p>He believed Jackson's policies were detrimental to democracy.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was one of the main criticisms related to Jackson's approach to power?

    <p>He was prone to using force and sought excessive authority.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What concern did Hone raise about Jackson’s influence?

    <p>He proposed that Jackson instigated class warfare.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was the authors’ view on the balance of power during Jackson's presidency?

    <p>It favored the executive branch significantly.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Study Notes

    The Shift from Republicanism to Democracy

    • In the early 1800s, political leaders embraced republicanism, favoring rule by "men of TALENTS and VIRTUE."
    • By the 1820s and 1830s, democracy and party politics took center stage as men sought office through campaigning and rallies.
    • Martin Van Buren, a key figure in the shift, encouraged ordinary Americans to participate in the political process.

    Expansion of Suffrage

    • In the early Republic, wealthy notables dominated politics, viewing themselves as the most fit to govern.
    • By the 1810s, reformers began advocating for expanded suffrage, influenced by republican ideals of equal rights.
    • Between 1818 and 1821, Connecticut, Massachusetts, and New York adopted more democratic constitutions, including apportionment based on population and popular election of judges.

    Rise of Democratic Politics

    • Democratic politics was contentious and often corrupt, attracting ambitious individuals who sought government favors.
    • Entrepreneurs and speculators used bribery and influence to secure land grants and government assistance.
    • The rise of party politics led to fierce competition and campaigns that targeted ordinary voters.

    The Bank War of 1832

    • The Second Bank of the United States, chartered in Philadelphia, played a significant role in stabilizing the nation's money supply.
    • The bank's policies, while beneficial to creditors and those invested in economic development, angered many ordinary Americans who feared bank closures and worthless paper notes.
    • President Jackson opposed the bank, viewing it as an instrument of the wealthy elite, and vetoed its recharter in 1832.

    Jackson’s Legacy and the Rise of the “Democratic Autocrat”

    • Jackson's actions in the Bank War, though supported by many, were criticized by some who viewed him as an autocratic figure who trampled on individual rights.
    • James Parton, a biographer, described Jackson as a "democratic autocrat," highlighting his forceful leadership style and potential for abuse of power.
    • Philip Hone, a contemporary observer, criticized Jacksonian politics for fueling class warfare and fostering a dangerous “mob spirit.”

    The Debate: Two Points of View

    • Henry Clay, a political rival of Jackson, argued that Jackson's policies favored state interests over the Union, undermining national authority.
    • Alexis de Tocqueville, a French observer, analyzed Jackson's presidency and observed the rise of a "democratic autocracy," a government that catered to the will of the majority while potentially stifling individual rights.

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    Description

    This quiz explores the transition from republicanism to democracy in the early 1800s, highlighting key figures such as Martin Van Buren and the expansion of suffrage. It discusses the political dynamics of the era, including the rise of democratic politics and the challenges faced by reformers. Test your knowledge on these pivotal changes in American political history.

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