12-1 Jacksonian Democracy

What was the main political party in the United States from 1816 to 1824?

• Federalist Party

• Democratic-Republican Party

• Whig Party

• National Republican Party

Answer explanation

The Democratic-Republican Party was the dominant political party in the United States from 1816 to 1824, following the decline of the Federalist Party. It played a crucial role in shaping early American politics during this period.

What was the outcome of the election when no candidate received a majority of the electoral votes?

• The Senate chooses the president

• The House of Representatives chooses the president

• The Supreme Court chooses the president

• The Vice President chooses the president

Answer explanation

When no candidate receives a majority of the electoral votes, the House of Representatives is responsible for choosing the president, as outlined in the 12th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution.

What term describes attempts to ruin an opponent's reputation with insults during a campaign?

• Slander

• Mudslinging

• Defamation

• Libel

Answer explanation

The term 'mudslinging' specifically refers to the practice of making malicious or insulting remarks about an opponent to damage their reputation, especially during political campaigns.

How did Andrew Jackson make the American political system more democratic?

• By limiting voting rights to landowners

• By promising equal protection and benefits for all Americans

• By increasing the power of the federal government

• By abolishing the electoral college

Answer explanation

Andrew Jackson made the political system more democratic by promoting the idea of equal protection and benefits for all Americans, which expanded participation and representation beyond just landowners.

How did nominating conventions make government more democratic?

• By allowing only wealthy individuals to participate

• By letting more people participate in selecting candidates

• By reducing the number of candidates

• By eliminating the need for elections

Answer explanation

Nominating conventions made government more democratic by allowing more people to participate in selecting candidates, rather than limiting the process to a select few wealthy individuals.

What is the spoils system?

• A method of taxing imported goods

• A system where government jobs are given to supporters of the winning party

• A way to reduce government spending

• A process of electing judges

Answer explanation

The spoils system refers to the practice of awarding government jobs to individuals who supported the winning political party, ensuring loyalty and rewarding political allies.

What was the main concern of Southerners regarding high tariffs?

• They believed it would increase their profits

• They feared it would hurt trade with European partners

• They thought it would improve their economy

• They wanted to support Northern industries

Answer explanation

Southerners were concerned that high tariffs would hurt trade with European partners, as they relied on exporting their goods. They feared that increased tariffs would lead to retaliatory measures, negatively impacting their economy.

What was Vice President Calhoun's stance on the tariff law?

• He supported the federal tariff law

• He believed states had the right to nullify federal laws

• He wanted to increase the tariff

• He thought tariffs should be eliminated entirely

Answer explanation

Vice President Calhoun opposed the tariff law, believing it unfairly benefited the North. He argued that states had the right to nullify federal laws they deemed unconstitutional, which reflects his stance on the tariff.

How did the election of 1828 show the growth of democracy?

• It had fewer voters than previous elections.

• It was the first election with a female candidate.

• It involved more public participation and interest.

• It was decided by the Supreme Court.

Answer explanation

The election of 1828 marked a significant increase in public participation and interest, as more citizens engaged in the political process, reflecting the growing democratic ideals of the time.

How was the fight over tariffs related to the issue of states' rights?

• It was unrelated to states' rights.

• It highlighted the power struggle between federal and state governments.

• It only affected international relations.

• It was solely about economic policies.

Answer explanation

The fight over tariffs was a key issue that underscored the tension between federal authority and states' rights, as states sought to assert their power against federal economic policies.