#201 Jeffersonian and Jacksonian Democracy

Detail from George Caleb Bingham, "The County Election," 1854, Reynolda House Museum of American Art.

Discussion on Jefferson:

• Address focus questions from last night’s homework:

• What was the nature of Jefferson’s “democratic vision”? Why—and for whom—was the American nation being constructed?
• Identify concrete steps taken by Jefferson to promote his vision.

Lecture on Jackson:

• Yes, we are doing a good ol’ fashion lecture! Here are the slides (Google Slides).
• What to do during a lecture:
  • Practice active listening.
  • Jump in to ask clarifying questions.
  • Take notes on key points.

Wrap up discussion: comparing Jefferson & Jackson

• Keeping in mind the chronology of these two presidents (Jefferson served from 1801-1809, and Jackson from 1829-1837), how might we compare these two presidents of the early republic?
  • Who within the United States did Jefferson’s vision of democracy prioritize?  Who within the country did Jackson’s presidency prioritize? How did this change and why?
  • How did Jefferson and Jackson each use federal authority differently? How did their views on the rights of states relate? Where did they differ?

Homework: Assignment #202