United States History Student Edition

Clay used his influence as Speaker to get the House of Representatives to elect Adams. President Adams then named Clay to be secretary of state. Jackson’s followers accused the two men of making a “corrupt bargain” and stealing the election. President Adams favored improving roads and waterways, building a national university, and supporting scientific research. He was opposed by those who wanted a more limited role for the federal government. Congress finally approved funds for improving rivers, harbors, and roads, but this was far less than Adams wanted. In time, the Democratic-Republican Party officially divided. Those who, like Adams, supported an expanded role for the federal government split off to become the National Republicans. The Democratic-Republicans, led by Jackson, became the party that favored a weak central government and supported states’ rights. During the 1828 campaign, both sides resorted to mudslinging, or attempts to ruin an opponent’s reputation with insults. Both sides

also used slogans, buttons, and rallies. Such practices soon became a regular part of American political life. Jackson won the election easily. He received most of the votes cast in the Western states. He also received many votes in the South, where his support for states’ rights was popular. Shortly after the election, Jackson’s supporters began to refer to themselves as the Democratic Party. Growing Democracy As president, Andrew Jackson promised “equal protection and equal benefits” for all Americans—at least, all white American men. Jackson’s promise reflected the spirit of the times. In the nation’s early years, only white men who owned property or paid taxes could vote or hold political office. By the 1820s, many states had loosened these requirements. White males who farmed rented lands, factory workers, and others could now participate in the political process. By 1828, nearly all states let voters, rather than state legislatures, choose presidential

The Election of 1828 Andrew Jackson won the election of 1828.

ELECTORAL VOTE Total: 261

NH 8

VT 7

ME 9**

31.8% 83

NY 36***

MA 15

Michigan Territory

68.2% 178

RI 4

Unorganized Territory

CT 8

PA 28

NJ 8

OH IN 16

IL 5 3

POPULAR VOTE Total: 1,143,450

DE 3

VA 24

MD 11*

MO 3

KY 14

NC 15

TN 11

43.8% 500,897

56.2% 642,553

Ark. Terr.

SC 11

GA 9

AL MS 5 3

* Six electors in Maryland voted for Adams and five voted for Jackson. ** Eight electors in Maine voted for Adams and one voted for Jackson. *** Twenty electors in New York voted for Jackson and sixteen voted for Adams.

LA 5

Jackson (Democrat) Adams (National Republican) Mixed Territories

Fla. Terr.

CIVICS CONNECTION 1. Patterns and Movement How many states were there in 1828? How many of those states did Jackson win? 2. Exploring Regions In which regions was Jackson’s support weakest?

Jackson, Andrew. President Jackson’s Veto Message Regarding the Bank of the United States; July 10, 1832. A Compilation of the Messages and Papers of the Presidents. Prepared under the direction of the Joint Committee on printing, of the House and Senate. Pursuant to an Act of the Fifty-Second Congress of the United States. New York: Bureau of National Literature, Inc., 1897.

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