Compare and Contrast Essay on Jeffersonian and Jacksonian Democracy

Introduction

Jefferson and Jackson were the presidents with very similar political views. Both these presidents were inspired by each other's leadership ideals. Both Jefferson and Jackson believed that the people had the power to make decisions. Both Jefferson and Jackson were on the democratic side. They wanted to know the opinions of the citizens of the United States. They believed that the people were more important than the men in power trying to do what the government wants or needs (cite). These two leaders shared many similarities in their views on state politics and how the state should be run. Although the government was strict about how states should run their affairs, Jefferson and Jackson disagreed. They believed that the state government should have the right to decide how it runs its government, without the need for federal input (cite). They were going to change America's history in their own ways.

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On March 4, 1801 Jefferson became the third president to swear in office. Jefferson was the largest contributor to the Declaration of Independence, which was published in July 1776. The Declaration of Independence, which Jefferson wrote, was the document that declared the independence of the 13 North American British colonies under the control of Great Britain. Jefferson's presidency was marked by expansion. He purchased Louisiana from France and banned slave imports to America during his second term. These were only some of his greatest achievements as one the greatest presidents ever.

Jackson, the seventh president of America, was elected to office in 1829. He was a highly respected general in America's Army before he became President. Jackson served in both the Houses of Congress before being elected. Jackson's primary goal throughout his presidency was to preserve the liberty and democracy of the people as well as the government. He is well-known for being the most democratic president of all time, holding on to his power in the society (cite).

Each president's era had its own differences, even though the majority of Jefferson and Jacksons shared a similar view. It is not the same thing to be known for something as it is to act on something. This is what distinguished Jefferson from Jackson. Jefferson was regarded as a man for the people and a champion of the rights of the weak. This is false because Jefferson was a wealthy man prior to becoming president. Therefore, he believes in a wealthier lifestyle and protects the wealthy. The Bank of the US was the main problem between the non-wealthy & wealthy. Only the wealthy could join the bank and receive the banking services. Jefferson kept the Bank of US operational while Jackson was in office. He was also for the destruction of the National US bank. Jackson was elected president for the people. He listened to the public and involved them. The issue of voting is still a matter of contention. Jefferson stands firm in his belief that any man can vote if he owns property. Jackson disagreed, as Jackson believes property shouldn't be considered a requirement for voting. Jackson was concerned about the number of people who may not have property. Jefferson believed that only those who are educated and sustainably should be allowed to hold any office. Jackson opposed this and advocated that all white people, regardless of their social class, should be eligible to run for office. The last disagreement was over slaves. Jackson and Jefferson both owned slaves but they had different views about slaves. Jefferson's stance on slavery was that it was wrong and would end. Jackson didn't have a stance on slavery. He didn't think it was wrong. The difference between these presidencies was mainly because one was for wealth and government, and the other for people who would have the ability to adapt to the changes.

Jackson's ideal presidency, which aimed to protect democracy while also equalizing the people, was responsible for these changes in government. People were divided according to their class. The amount of money a person has, i.e. how wealthy or poorer they are, was what defined class. They had more opportunities in society, such as voting, property and banking, if they were wealthy. However, jobs were not available to all people. Voting was restricted to wealthy white men. Property prices rose so that the middle class and lower classes could not afford it. Jefferson believed that if they could not afford property, it would be a sign that they were not part of the working society. Jackson believes they should still be considered a part society.

Conclusion

These changes were important because they had long-term implications for America's future. The Jackson era saw a lot of effort to improve American society, and the financial future of the country. These changes saw Jackson, a democrat, work with the Whigs to create the national two-party system of American government in 1840. Both sides had support from different sections and states of the country. It was North or South. Jackson and the Whigs partnered together to avoid conflicting issues on North or South. The outcome was the division between the states due to North or South. Jackson's efforts led to a great democracy year that helped America get back on track with their political stances. Everything was long-term and had a positive or negative outcome.