United States History: Era of Good Feelings

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Questions and Answers

Which state did not shift the selection of Electoral College members to voters by 1832?

Virginia

North Carolina

Georgia

South Carolina (correct)

What key constitutional change occurred in Maryland in 1826?

Removal of restrictions on Jews holding public office (correct)

Introduction of a new tax system

Abolition of slavery in the state

Increased voting rights for women

What event marked the end of the Era of Good Feelings?

The signing of the Treaty of Ghent

The presidential election of 1824 (correct)

The War of 1812

The Missouri Compromise

Which two political figures contended for the role of spokesperson for the South?

John C. Calhoun and William Crawford Signup and view all the answers

Who represented the interests of New England in Monroe's cabinet?

John Quincy Adams Signup and view all the answers

What did Henry Clay advocate for during the election of 1824?

The American System Signup and view all the answers

Which candidate was considered the political outsider in the presidential election of 1824?

Andrew Jackson Signup and view all the answers

What happened to William Crawford during the presidential campaign of 1824?

He was incapacitated by a stroke Signup and view all the answers

Who received almost as many votes as Henry Clay despite being incapacitated?

William Crawford Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following figures did NOT hold presidential ambitions during Monroe's administration?

James Madison Signup and view all the answers

What was one of the immediate effects of Jackson's decision to withdraw federal deposits from the Second Bank?

The Second Bank faced financial depletion. Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary criterion for a bank to be designated as a 'pet' bank?

Loyalty to the Democratic Party. Signup and view all the answers

What major policy did Jackson implement in 1836 to address excessive speculation in land purchases?

The introduction of the 'Specie Circular'. Signup and view all the answers

What unintended consequence did the shift of federal deposits to state banks have?

An empowerment of the state banks to issue more currency. Signup and view all the answers

How did westerners react to the 'Specie Circular' policy?

They criticized it due to the scarcity of hard currency. Signup and view all the answers

What term is used to describe the years from 1824 to 1840 in relation to Andrew Jackson's influence on American politics?

The Age of Jacksonian Democracy Signup and view all the answers

What was the ultimate effect of Jackson's bank policies on the economy?

A long-term economic crisis emerged. Signup and view all the answers

Which demographic group was effectively denied the right to vote during the Jacksonian Era?

Free blacks Signup and view all the answers

What significant change regarding voter participation occurred in states admitted after 1815?

Expansion of suffrage to all male residents Signup and view all the answers

Before the introduction of printed ballots, how did men cast their votes?

Orally stating their choices at the voting place Signup and view all the answers

What was a significant effect of abolishing property and tax qualifications for voting?

Tripling of the number of popular votes by 1828 Signup and view all the answers

What change occurred in the method of voting during the Jacksonian Era?

Implementation of secret, written ballots Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements accurately describes political offices during the Jacksonian Era?

A significant number of offices became elective Signup and view all the answers

What was the societal trend regarding wealth during the Jacksonian Era?

Concentration of wealth in a few hands intensified Signup and view all the answers

In the context of voting rights, what was a notable trend for free blacks during the Jacksonian Era?

Facing restrictions and disenfranchisement Signup and view all the answers

What effect did printed ballots have on the voting process during the Jacksonian Era?

Allowed voters to express their choices independently Signup and view all the answers

What nickname was given to the postwar period during Monroe's administration?

Era of Good Feelings Signup and view all the answers

What significant decision did the Supreme Court make in the Dartmouth College case?

Charters granted by states are contracts protected under the Constitution. Signup and view all the answers

Which event demonstrates the political compromise reached regarding Missouri's admission to the Union?

The Missouri Compromise Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary concern regarding Missouri's proposed constitution during its statehood application?

It permitted slavery, upsetting the balance of free and slave states. Signup and view all the answers

In what way did John Marshall's Supreme Court influence the power of the federal government?

By reinforcing the supremacy of federal law over state legislation. Signup and view all the answers

What was a result of the Missouri Compromise regarding the territories north of the 36°30′ line?

Slavery would not be allowed north of the 36°30′ line. Signup and view all the answers

What was the significance of James Monroe's reelection victory in 1820?

It marked the end of the Federalist Party. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following states was not part of the initial five states added to the Union after 1812?

Kentucky Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best describes Monroe's approach to political differences during his administration?

He sought to reconcile political differences and maintain the status quo. Signup and view all the answers

What was one of the main criticisms that Jacksonians had against Adams during the political rivalry?

He attempted to influence foreign policy inappropriately. Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of Jackson's background helped him gain support in the South?

His status as a slave owner. Signup and view all the answers

How did Jackson's inauguration celebrations differ from those of previous presidents?

They attracted a rowdy crowd that defied social norms. Signup and view all the answers

What does 'rotation in office' refer to during Jackson's presidency?

The replacement of rival-party officeholders with political supporters. Signup and view all the answers

Who was the only member of Jackson's Kitchen Cabinet that came from within the government?

Martin Van Buren. Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary public perception of Jackson in contrast to Adams during their rivalry?

Jackson was viewed as a war hero, while Adams was seen as a negotiator. Signup and view all the answers

Which region of the United States was Adams primarily strong in?

New England. Signup and view all the answers

How did Jackson handle officeholder replacements during his presidency?

He maintained status quo with minimal changes. Signup and view all the answers

What term was used to criticize Jackson's practice of appointing political allies to government roles?

Spoils system. Signup and view all the answers

What factor contributed to Jackson receiving 56 percent of the popular vote?

A significantly expanded electorate. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

The Era of Good Feelings

Following the War of 1812, the United States entered a period of relative political harmony known as the “Era of Good Feelings.”
President James Monroe sought to reconcile political differences, contributing to the era's harmonious atmosphere.
Monroe was re-elected in 1820 with an overwhelming majority, signifying the country's political unity.

Emerging Political Divisions

Despite the era's namesake, new issues began to create political divisions.
John Marshall's Supreme Court decisions, favoring a strong national government, further solidified the growing tension between federal and state power.
The Dartmouth College Case (1819) ruled that state-granted charters were contracts, protected by the Constitution, limiting the power of state legislatures.
The McCulloch v. Maryland (1819) decision affirmed federal supremacy, denying states the power to tax federal agencies, strengthening the national government's authority.

Expansion and the Missouri Compromise

Between 1812 and 1819, five new states joined the Union: Louisiana, Indiana, Mississippi, Illinois, and Alabama.
In 1819, Missouri Territory applied for statehood, but its proposed constitution permitted slavery, upsetting the existing balance of free and slave states.
The Missouri Compromise allowed Maine to join as a free state, followed by Missouri as a slave state, preserving the balance.
It also outlawed slavery north of the 36°30′ line in the Louisiana Purchase.

The Age of Jacksonian Democracy

While Andrew Jackson served as president from 1829 to 1837, his influence extended beyond his presidency, defining the "Age of Jacksonian Democracy" (circa 1824-1840).
This era witnessed a rise in popular participation in politics, while significant inequalities remained: women could not vote, free blacks were marginalized, and slavery expanded.
During this period, Native Americans were forcibly relocated west of the Mississippi, while wealth concentrated in the hands of a few.
Despite these inequalities, changes expanded voter participation and spurred reform movements addressing societal injustices.

Expanding Suffrage and Voting Reform

States admitted after 1815 adopted white male suffrage, and several states abolished property and tax qualifications for voting, significantly increasing voter turnout.
Voter turnout tripled between the 1824 and 1828 presidential elections, partially due to the elimination of property requirements.
The method of voting evolved from oral voting to printed ballots, providing voters greater independence and privacy.
The introduction of the Australian ballot in the late 19th century further improved ballot secrecy.
The shift from appointive to elective offices made elected officials more accountable to the public.
By 1832, almost all states, except South Carolina, transitioned the selection of Electoral College members to direct popular vote.

The 1824 Election and the End of the Era of Good Feelings

The presidential election of 1824 marked the end of the “Era of Good Feelings” as internal divisions within the Republican party surfaced.
The election saw four main candidates: John Quincy Adams, Andrew Jackson, Henry Clay, and William Crawford, each representing different sectional interests.
The election's outcome was contested, with Jackson receiving the most popular and electoral votes but failing to win the required majority.
The election ultimately went to the House of Representatives, where Clay's support for Adams resulted in Adams's victory, sparking accusations of a "corrupt bargain" against Adams and Clay.

Jackson's Presidency and the Spoils System

Andrew Jackson, despite losing the 1824 election, was elected president in 1828, ushering in an era marked by populism and vigorous political participation.
Jackson's inauguration celebration was unprecedented in its boisterous atmosphere, reflecting the growing political power of the common man.
Jackson embraced the "spoils system," replacing rival party officeholders with political supporters, although the turnover was not as extreme as perceived.
Jackson relied on a group of trusted advisors, known as the "Kitchen Cabinet," for advice, influencing policy decisions.

Jackson and the Second Bank of the United States

Jackson saw the Second Bank of the United States as a tool of the wealthy elite, undermining financial stability and fostering economic inequality.
In 1833, Jackson withdrew government deposits from the Second Bank, placing them in state banks called "pet banks," intentionally weakening the national bank.
The "pet banks" issued paper money backed by federal gold, leading to speculation on federal lands and inflated land prices.
To curb excessive speculation, Jackson issued the "Specie Circular" in 1836, requiring gold or silver for land purchases, contributing to a financial crisis.

Legacy of Jacksonian Democracy

Jacksonian democracy, while promoting greater political participation, saw the expansion of slavery and continued marginalization of minorities.
The era contributed to a new sense of political activism, challenging established political structures and bringing issues like economic inequality to the forefront.
While Jackson's policies contributed to financial instability, his presidency marked a shift in American politics, emphasizing popular sovereignty and challenging the elite's dominance.

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Description

Explore the Era of Good Feelings following the War of 1812, marked by political harmony and President James Monroe's efforts to unify the nation. However, emerging political divisions and landmark Supreme Court cases began to challenge this tranquility, setting the stage for future conflicts in American politics.