The Evolution Of Democracy In The Early Republic
Historians define democracy as a government system where power is lodged in the people, exercising it directly or through their elected representatives. The evolution of democracy in the United States has a good history since its independence. American Revolution led to the development of democracy, which was based on liberalism and republicanism ideas. America was transformed into a democratic state in 1815. A study on the evolution of democracy from Jefferson’s ruling to Jackson’s will help understand the significant changes that led to US republican development.
Jefferson was the third president of the US who ruled from 1801 to 1809, who lead America into its early development. He was a Democratic-Republican, and he attacked federalist policies by opposing a centralized government and championing states’ rights. He believed that the US government should have limited roles in the lives of citizens. Before he assumed the presidency, he was the governor of Virginia during the revolutionary war. On the other hand, Andrew Jackson was the founder of the Democratic Party who supported individual liberty. He had defeated the British in the Battle of New Orleans in 1812 and became a war hero. He was the seventh president of the US from 1829-1837. He was known by the title “people’s president” who initiated some policies which forced the Native Americans to migrate. The main difference was their political systems, with Jefferson leading a Republican model while Jackson, a Democratic model.
The First Industrial Revolution is believed to be a significant change that led to substantial economic growth in the US. The overall production increased substantially between 1760 to 1840 with the introduction of the technology-based industry. The shift to an industrial economy led to population growth, which brought most changes in the United States. Jefferson’s government system was geared towards the elite, while Jackson focused more on the common man. Jefferson ruled under the ancient independence model, which recognized landowners and elites than the citizens. Jackson’s presidency gave all white men the voting right regardless of the socio-economic class.
These changes are usually linked with the future development of the US republic. Jackson is agreed in American history as the first president who moved contributed a lot in its democracy. He ensured the freedom of American citizens and provided equal rights for all. He strengthened the foreign relations by negotiating most treaties to settle damage claims and secure international trade openings. He campaigned against corruption, which led him to battle with the Second Bank of the US as he believed it benefited a few at the expense of the many. He contributed a lot in Us democracy by giving American people the power of electing the president and his vice president. He also abolished the Electoral College
Inconclusion, the evolution of democracy during the rulings of the two presidents led to significant changes that helped develop the US. Jefferson was the author of the “declaration of Independence,” one of his most notable achievements, including abolishing the slave trade and foundation of the University of Virginia. His presidency is meet with criticism as he opposed the centralized government and championing the independence of states. Jackson is seen to have contributed more than Jefferson in the evolution of democracy. He was a democrat who fought for equal rights and freedom of all citizens. His democratic reforms range from expanding the voting rights to reorganizing federal institutions. He established the majority rule and protected the country from nullifiers who were defending slavery. The changes led to the US’s development up to the position it is in terms of economy.