Mini-Unit: Jacksonian Democracy

This mini- focuses on the emergence of Jacksonian democracy, a 19th-century political philosophy in the United States that championed greater democracy for the "common man."

The PowerPoint begins with a discussion of how Jackson's personality and notorious temperament were shaped by his early experiences (i.e.: service during the Revolutionary War, marriage to Rachel Donelson). Subsequent slides address the disputed election of 1824, during which Jackson accused John Quincy Adams and Henry Clay of creating a "corrupt bargain" that ultimately gave Adams the presidency. Finally, the presentation focuses on Jackson's preference for the "spoils system," as well as his role in the Nullification Crisis of 1832-33. The PowerPoint comes complete with discussion notes for teachers and custom animation, uses a Calibri font (which can be adjusted as needed), and is saved using an Office 97-2003 format.

At the conclusion of the PowerPoint, teachers may wish to screen "The Tariff of Abominations." This short animated clip of less than 2 minutes can be found on YouTube.

The resource also includes a discussion of Thomas Nast's political cartoon, In Memoriam - our civil service as it was. The cartoon served as a criticism of Jackson's reliance upon the spoils system. Handouts, graphic organizers, and questions based on the two political cartoons are INCLUDED in the zip file.

Finally, the mini-unit a biography on Andrew Jackson that focuses on his childhood and law studies, candidacy in the 1824 and 1828 presidential elections, and service as the seventh President of the United States. Specific attention is given to Jackson's role in vetoing the charter of the Second Bank of the United States, the Nullification Crisis of 1832, and removal of the Cherokee Indians from their lands in northern Georgia.

The biography includes a series of questions based on the reading.

In using this in my own class room, students are encouraged to:

1. Number the paragraphs

2. Read the biography

3. Highlight answers in the reading

4. Use complete sentences

5. Identify the paragraph where they find the answer

The answer key demonstrates these steps.  Academic and content vocabulary words and definitions are included.

For those seeking distance learning options, both the biography and the assignment associated with the cartoon can be readily converted to a digital activity using Google Slides.

Purchased separately, these resources would total $8.75; I am offering them as a bundle for $7. I use these resources in my own class room and am certain you will find these a valuable addition to your curriculum.

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