The evolution of democracy from Jefferson to Jackson

Abstract:Jefferson and Jackson both had prominent presidencies when in office. They both made their mistakes, but both made their essential marks on our nation. Through their contrasting views of political, social, and economic matters, they brought upon different aspects to the presidencies, but they were equally beneficial. Jefferson and Jackson also shared in some similar views when going about their terms as well. Through their similar and contrasting minds, they helped define true democracy, bringing it to what it is today.

Both Jackson and Jefferson contributed many beneficial factors towards their term as president, and to our country at the time and to this day. They both had the notion of building an equal nation; equal as Americans and the rights given to us as an American. Jackson had a somewhat fastidious attitude, but he was more of an open, lenient man who wanted to be surrounded by a peaceful atmosphere of people who he can not only trust, but who will listen to his every order. Jefferson was an equally demanding man who did what he thought was best, no matter how negative the opinions of others were. He hired who was best for the job, not necessarily who he was cool with, and he put down barriers to get what he thought needed to be done, done. Both were good respectable men, but their views of how not only the presidency should be, but how America should be differentiated from each other and also transformed as time went on.

Although Jefferson and Jackson had two completely ambivalent mindsets- Jefferson being influenced by the laws of enlightenment, and Jackson not being that way- their actions and thoughts throughout their presidency didnt necessarily deviate from one another at all times. As stated before, their minds were fixed around equality; an equal nation equals a strong nation. Unfortunately, considering the time period that we were in then, an equal nation was mainly centered on the men in this world. Therefore, women and even Natives werent considered equal to men until years later. Jackson and Jefferson both didnt find women and Natives as essential to building our nation, as they felt the men were. Not only did they feel the same way about the status of women and Natives but they also didnt feed into the influence or importance of the Church and any religious matters.

They both didnt incorporate the church in state laws, or in any laws at all, especially Jefferson, being an enlightenment thinker. Jackson and Jefferson also agreed on the fact that farmers are seen as the chosen people. Because of their constant contributions of food, crops, and many various items that circulate not only our nation, they were a valued people. Both Jackson and Jefferson also disliked the need for the Bank of the United States. Jackson viewed it as a monopoly- a way for the already rich to get richer. Jefferson, thinking the way that he does, saw the national bank as more dangerous than standing armies; that it would only ruin rather than restore any matter. Evidently, later on in his term, that mindset of his on the national bank does transform to a more pro view than a con view towards the bank on his Louisiana Purchase.

The Jacksonian democracy was more democratic than the Jeffersonian democracy because it contributed more of an inviting message to the people. Jackson was very popular among the common people and was able to use that popularity and imbue his views into the minds of the people easier than Jefferson. Jefferson was also a popular man, but people werent as intimidated by him as they were of Jackson. Politically Jefferson believed that men should challenge themselves and work hard for their education, property, and political status. He believed that only the educated elite should be able to hold office positions and that all people could be qualified for office through education; education should be for all to prepare the poorer people for office. On the contrary, Jackson believed that anyone is capable of holding office and that political positions should always be revolved. Economically, Jefferson felt as if industrialization was a fearsome step, and that negative outcomes will come out from it.

On the other hand, Jackson felt as if industrialization was an essential factor towards our American economy. Jackson felt as if corporate charters should be available to all who chose to start a business, but Jefferson felt as if they should be distributed to favorites of the state legislators, which sometimes gave in monopoly rights to a business. Socially, Jefferson was morally against slavery, but ironically owned slaves. Jackson, unfortunately, wasnt interested in the abolition rights of slaves and thought everything, concerning that matter, should remain as is. Jackson believed that education isnt all that necessary for climbing that social latter and that if one follows his own economic progress, his social status shall eventually raise. Jefferson saw education and ones own personal drive and aspiration as the key to a social climb, and success at that matter. Jefferson and Jackson had varying perspectives on how our nation should be run, but they both equally shared in the great advertisement of democracy.

Both the Jeffersonian and Jacksonian Democracies contributed a lot to our nation and had a lasting affect on us as well. They both demonstrated democracy by their actions and way of thinking. They implanted the idea of democracy as not a finished business, but a business that is at its inchoate stage, and needs to be developed more until perfected. Even though Jeffersons enlightenment influenced mind differed in the political, economic, and social views of the mind of Jackson, they both contributed the same idea of democracy, and that, itself, should always be honored.

Work Cited

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3.(n.d.). American democracy. Retrieved from http://ap_history_online.tripod.com/apush10.htm