Jacksonian
Democracy refers to the social and political ideas that shaped the period encompassing Andrew
Jackson's presidency (1829-1837). Jacksonian Democracy reflects an attempt to approach as
closely as possible the literal meaning of the famous phrase "of the people, by the people,
and for the people." The central focus of Jacksonian Democracy was the idea that the
people should have greater power in government. In addition, the measures undertaken to elevate
the common man's influence also served to create a greater sense of equality: equality
of opportunity.
Before this period, not all white men could vote,
much less the other sections of the population. In Jacksonian Democracy, the landholding
requirement for voting rights was lifted. White men did not have to own land to enjoy the right
to vote. Doing this granted the common person the same opportunity to influence government
policy as more affluent members of society. In addition, requirements for...
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