Jeffersonian Republicanism vs. Jacksonian Democracy

Thomas Jefferson and Andrew Jackson were two influential political figures in two very different eras, ranging from 1800-1808 and 1808-1840 respectively, that established two very different political philosophies. Each formed their own system that helped shape the way people think about American government. Liberalism is a political philosophy that goes against the established status quo at the time in order for change, where as a conservative is one which adheres to principles established by that same status quo. The Jeffersonian Republicans image of the common man was one vested in the educated and independent farmer, who by no stretch of the imagine had the capabilities to serve in government. The Jacksonian Democracies image of the†¦show more content†¦Jackson forced thousands of Native Americans to march from Georgia to Oklahoma on the infamous Trail of Tears with his Indian Removal Act, thus showing his hatred for the Native Americans (Brands, H. W.). Jacksonians oppos ed programs such as educational reform and the establishment of public education. They believed that schools restricted individual liberty by interfering with parental responsibility. The importance of the Jacksonian Era was not that the gap between rich and poor had narrowed, but that there were now few barriers that prevented people from gaining wealth and power. Because Jackson eradicated the Indian threat (a major concern for common people), and belittled the importance education, his party symbolized that a man could come from nothing, and become president, which was a source of inspiration and hope for the common man. Both Jefferson and Jackson did what they felt would economically benefit the common man however Jeffersons maintenance of the Hamiltonian economic system, which benefited the upper class, did less for the common man then Jackson, who advocated for the ideals of economic success for all. Jefferson encouraged State banks and was originally opposed to the national bank, however once in office he saw the true benefits of such a bank. Jefferson feared the