Summary: Changes in voting qualifications and participation, the election of Andrew Jackson, and the formation of a two party system all contributed to making the election of 1828 a watershed in the evolution of the American political system. In this four-lesson unit, students analyze changes in voter participation and regional power between 1824 and 1832, and review archival campaign documents reflecting the dawn of politics as we know it today. Each lesson has a distinct focus: Lesson 1, expansion of the voting base; Lesson 2, changes in voter participation; Lesson 3, territorial expansions and shifts in political power; and Lesson 4, issues and evolution of party politics.
Overarching Questions:
- CIVICS: Have the concepts of liberty, justice and/or equality changed during the time period? If so, how and what has been the impact?
- CIVICS: How well does the government balance individual rights and the common good, including the need to maintain order, safety and a healthy environment, during this time period?
- CIVICS: Have individuals and groups influenced public policy during this time period? If so, how and what has been the impact?
NJ Student Learning Standards for Social Studies:
- 6.1.12.CivicsPI.3.a: Analyze primary and secondary sources to determine the extent to which local and state issues, publications, and the rise of interest group and party politics impacted the development of democratic institutions and practices.
- 6.1.12.GeoSV.3.a: Evaluate the impact of Western settlement on the expansion of United States political boundaries.
Link to Lesson: The 1828 Campaign of Andrew Jackson and the Growth of Party Politics | NEH-Edsitement