Evolving Experiment in Democracy essays

Evolving Experiment in Democracy essays Many historians have described the United States as an evolving experiment in democracy. This statement especially holds true during the time period of 1828-1844. During the time period of 1828-1844, under the rule of Jacksonian Democracy, several political, social, and economic changes occurred in the United States that clearly define the country as an evolving experiment in democracy. First of all, during the time period of 1828-1844 several political changes occurred that structured and expanded the government. Jackson set up a Spoils System, in which he gave his political supporters public office. Every man is as good as his neighbor, Jackson proclaimed. The aristocratic and bureaucratic officeholding class was eliminated. More ordinary citizens were involved in politics to give the ordinary citizen more say in the government. The Spoils System shaped the way the Democratic Party was organized. Slowly but surely the Democratic Party under the time period of 1828-1844 was organized to give more opportunities to the common person. Jacksonian ideas were incorporated in one manner by the elimination of property qualifications. By this elimination, any free white male could vote and hold office. As a result of the elimination of property qualifications came the redefining of the chosen class. Planters, urban workers, and factory laborers were included in the new cho sen class. The idea that the poorer citizen was just as important as a rich citizen came about. In addition, those united under Jacksons banner of democracy believed in more rights for the states. Eventually, a two-party system emerged, the Whigs and the Democrats. As a result of dislike for the American System and corrupt bargain under the rule of John Quincy Adams, Andrew Jackson united many people under a banner of democracy. The idea of public education for all citizens was promoted, which ...