Marissa Shivers
Mr. Eliason
AP United States History
18 December 2016
Between the years of 1815 and 1840, politics in the United States changed drastically. After the War of 1812, an “Era of Good Feelings” emerged, characterized by the presence of one dominant political party, the Democratic-Republicans. Throughout this time period and the ensuing events that led to the formation of the two-party system, participation in political campaigns and elections drastically changed due to an overall increasing interest in politics from American citizens, as well as more politicians attempting to appeal to the “common man”.
The percentage of eligible voter participation and the percent of states allowing voters to choose presidential electors rose dramatically …show more content…
Martin Van Buren’s creation of the Albany Regency (Doc C), one of the first political machines, led to the formation of the first national political party, the Democrats. The Albany Regency, which sought to bring common beliefs of politicians together, created standard party platforms. The formation of this political party relied on party loyalty and drew support from commoners. This, following the end of the “Era of Good Feelings”, in turn led to the formation of the Second Party System. Andrew Jackson would soon become the leader of this “Jacksonian Democracy” following his presidential election in 1828. On the Democratic Party ballot, “Jackson and the People’s Ticket” contained the names of many Jacksonian Democrats (Doc D). Jackson’s use of the “spoils system” rewarded his political supporters with the promise of political jobs. This strengthened his party and eventually led to his victory in the presidential election, resulting from an increased political interest and an expanded right to vote. Jackson’s election was a victory for the common American and a beginning of a new democracy for the United …show more content…
With the market revolution and formation of a middle class, many citizens desired representation in politics. George H Evans’ “Working Men’s Declaration of Independence” called for this representation, stating, “we, the working class of society… declare ‘that we are, & of right ought to be,’ entitled to equal means to obtain equal moral happiness” (Doc E). The struggle for representation among middle class citizens still persisted even during a time where the “common man” was championed, and political interest flooded America as these ideas were advocated. Additionally, between the years of 1775 to 1835, there was an enormous rise in the number of different newspapers published, with the amount more than tripling between the years of 1810 and 1835 (Doc G). As newspapers were often a source of political propaganda, the large increase can be attributed to an increased interest in politics from American