Age of Jackson Flashcards
Who was Andrew Jackson?
The seventh president of the United States (1829–1837), known for his populist appeal, expansion of executive power, opposition to the national bank, and enforcement of Indian removal policies.
What is Jacksonian Democracy?
A political movement expanding democracy for the ‘common man,’ emphasizing greater public participation in government, universal white male suffrage, and opposition to aristocratic elites.
What is the Spoils System?
A practice in which political supporters were rewarded with government positions, reinforcing party loyalty but often leading to corruption and inefficiency.
What was the Trail of Tears?
The forced relocation of the Cherokee and other Native American tribes from their lands in the Southeastern U.S. to Indian Territory (present-day Oklahoma) under harsh conditions, leading to thousands of deaths (1838–1839).
What was the Indian Removal Act (1830)?
A law signed by Jackson that authorized the forced relocation of Native American tribes living east of the Mississippi River to lands west of the river, violating prior treaties and leading to widespread suffering.
What was the significance of Cherokee v. Georgia (1831)?
A Supreme Court case in which the Cherokee Nation sought federal protection against Georgia’s attempts to impose laws on them; the Court ruled that the Cherokee were a ‘domestic dependent nation’ rather than a foreign state.
What was Worcester v. Georgia (1832)?
A Supreme Court case in which Chief Justice John Marshall ruled that Georgia had no authority to impose laws on Cherokee lands, affirming tribal sovereignty; however, Jackson refused to enforce the ruling.
What was the conflict between John Marshall and Andrew Jackson?
The ideological conflict between Supreme Court Chief Justice John Marshall, who upheld federal authority and Native American rights, and President Jackson, who ignored court rulings in favor of his policies.
What was the Nullification Crisis?
A political conflict in which South Carolina, led by John C. Calhoun, attempted to nullify the Tariff of 1828, arguing that states had the right to reject federal laws; Jackson responded with the Force Bill.
What was the rivalry between John C. Calhoun and Jackson?
A major political rivalry where Calhoun supported states’ rights and nullification, while Jackson upheld federal authority and threatened military force against South Carolina.
What was the Tariff of Abominations (1828)?
A high protective tariff that benefited Northern industries but harmed the Southern economy, leading to Southern opposition and contributing to the nullification crisis.
What was the Force Bill?
A law passed in 1833 that authorized Jackson to use military force to enforce federal tariffs, specifically aimed at South Carolina during the nullification crisis.
What was the Compromise Tariff of 1833?
A tariff negotiated by Henry Clay that gradually lowered the rates of the Tariff of 1828, helping to ease tensions between the federal government and South Carolina.
What was the Bank War?
Jackson’s campaign against the Second Bank of the United States, which he viewed as a tool of the elite; he vetoed its recharter in 1832 and withdrew federal funds.
What was the conflict between Nicholas Biddle and Jackson?
The conflict between Nicholas Biddle, president of the Second Bank of the United States, and Jackson, who opposed the bank’s power; Biddle tried to save the bank, but Jackson’s veto led to its demise.
What was the Panic of 1837?
A severe financial crisis caused by Jackson’s economic policies, including the destruction of the national bank, leading to bank failures, unemployment, and economic depression.
What was the Whig Party?
A political party formed in opposition to Jacksonian policies, advocating for a strong federal government, internal improvements, and economic modernization.
How did Jackson use the veto?
Jackson expanded presidential power by using the veto more than any previous president, often on political rather than constitutional grounds.
What was the Kitchen Cabinet?
An informal group of advisers that Jackson relied on instead of his official cabinet, leading to criticism that he ignored traditional government structures.
What was the Peggy Eaton Affair?
A scandal involving the wife of Jackson’s Secretary of War, leading to a political crisis and the resignation of most of Jackson’s cabinet.
What was the formation of the Democratic Party?
Jackson’s supporters officially organized into the Democratic Party in the 1820s, promoting states’ rights, limited government, and populist ideals.
What political change was seen in the Election of 1828?
Marked a shift toward greater participation of the ‘common man,’ as property requirements for voting were reduced.
Who was Martin Van Buren?
Jackson’s close ally and successor as the eighth president (1837–1841); he inherited the economic downturn caused by the Panic of 1837.
What was the South Carolina Exposition and Protest?
A document secretly written by John C. Calhoun arguing that states had the right to nullify federal laws, laying the foundation for the nullification crisis.
