After his defeat in 1824, students might wonder how Jackson gained the presidency for not only the next term, but the following one as well. Using the 5Ws (who, what, when, where, and why), students will examine the Election of 1828 to understand Jackson's rise to the presidency as well as the changes in voting populations that unfolded during that time. Students will use a spider map to organize the information, and the completed assignment will serve as a base for studying Jacksonian Democracy.
For an extended activity, have students research the evolution, rise, and importance of the right to vote. Like most elections in American history, the right to vote is an extremely important element of the Election of 1828. Students should focus on amendments, and population changes.
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Student Instructions
Create a 5W analysis of the Election of 1828: Who, What, When, Where, and Why.
Encouraging debate helps students critically analyze perspectives and understand the complexities of Jackson's presidency. Organize a structured debate to deepen engagement and foster discussion skills.
Let students take on roles such as campaign manager, voter, or journalist to explore different viewpoints. This approach personalizes learning and makes the historical context more relatable.
Provide students with actual speeches, campaign posters, or newspaper articles from 1828. Analyzing these sources develops critical thinking and connects students to the period's real voices.
Guide students to reflect on how voting rights have changed since 1828. This encourages empathy and helps students appreciate the importance of civic participation today.
Andrew Jackson's victory in 1828 marked a turning point in American politics, expanding democracy by encouraging more people—especially non-landowning white men—to vote and participate in elections. This election signaled the rise of Jacksonian Democracy and a shift toward greater public involvement in government.
During the Election of 1828, many states dropped property requirements for voting, allowing a broader population of white men to cast ballots. This expansion of the electorate played a crucial role in Jackson's success and set the stage for more inclusive voting practices in the U.S.
The 5Ws for the Election of 1828 are: Who (Andrew Jackson vs. John Quincy Adams), What (a presidential election that changed U.S. politics), When (1828), Where (United States), and Why (growing demand for greater democracy and voter participation).
Students can create a 5W analysis by organizing information into a spider map with five sections: Who, What, When, Where, and Why. For each, provide a brief answer and include related images to visually represent the key facts about the Election of 1828.
The right to vote is central to Jacksonian Democracy because it emphasized broader participation by ordinary citizens. Jackson's era saw major changes in voter eligibility, making elections more representative and shaping American democracy's future direction.