The Election of 1828 | Jackson’s Vigorous Presidency

The Second American Party System | The Election of 1840

1. The Election of 1828 (see Martin, pp. 251-257; DeGregorio, "The Choice")

Election of 1828

• Andrew Jackson (Democrat)
• John Quincy Adams (National Republican)

Tariff of 1828

• Strong southern opposition ("Tariff of Abominations")

2. Jackson’s Vigorous Presidency (see Martin, pp. 257-263)

Jackson’s convictions

• Majority rule
• Limited power of national government
• Government should protect common man

Jackson’s use of veto power

• Rarely used prior to Jackson (9 times in 40 years)
• Jackson: 12 vetoes in 8 years

Jackson’s Indian policy

• Removal policy
• Removal Act of 1830
• Supported supremacy of state laws over Indian claims

Georgia and the Cherokee Indians

• Cherokee Nation located within state of Georgia
• 1829—Georgia declares Cherokee Nation null and void; challenged by Cherokee
• Worcester v. Georgia (1832)
• John Marshall (Chief Justice) upholds Indian position
• Jackson supports Georgia
• Georgia defies Supreme Court
• Some Cherokee chiefs sign removal treaty (1835)
• Trail of Tears (1837-1838): forced removal of Cherokee; 4,000 die

John Calhoun: "Exposition and Protest"

• Doctrine of Nullification—states can declare federal law unconstitutional

Nullification Crisis

• Tariff of 1832 lowers tariff; southerners oppose
• South Carolina passes Ordinance of Nullification, threatens secession
• Jackson threatens South Carolina, supported by nation
• Force Bill of 1833
• South Carolina repeals Ordinance of Nullification

3. The Second American Party System (see Martin, pp. 266-267)

Democratic Party

• Suspicion of wealthy
• Freedom of economic opportunity
• Political freedom
• Belief in abilities of common man
• States’ rights (federal government supreme, but limited)

Whig Party

• National bank
• Internal improvements
• Protective tariff

Election of 1836

• Whigs—"favorite son" candidates
• Daniel Webster
• Hugh Lawson White
• William Henry Harrison
• Martin Van Buren (Democrat)

4. The Election of 1840 (see Martin, pp. 266-267)

Candidates:

• William Henry Harrison (Whig)
• John Tyler
• Martin Van Buren (Democrat)

William Henry Harrison (1841)

• Harrison dies April 4, 1841
• Tyler becomes president