American Political System Dbq

The political changes in democracy, republicanism, and liberalism have been thoroughly

used to portray, in various ways, the development of the American political system. In particular,

between 1824 and 1840, there existed a period of extraordinary growth and change for the

United States. Still, Americans were able to effectively embrace the popular democracy while

crises pertaining to popular rights dominated overseas. As a result, many economic and social

variations transpired and the political foundations or our nation transformed.

The election of 1824 was a vivid example of a primary change in our nation’s presidential

political system and its effect on the economy. During this time, there existed a single Democratic-

Republican Party. Consequently, under the notion of sectionalism, there subsisted five individual

candidates from each region. Preceding the election, candidate Andrew Jackson, being a former

United States Senator and war hero, gained tremendous support. Meanwhile, his main adversary,

John Quincy Adams, was also proving his popularity in his support of the “American System”.

Eventually, Jackson won the overall popular and electoral vote, but was still unable to achieve this

presidential position. [Doc. B] Since neither candidate had a majority, the decision was made by the

House of Representatives, more specifically, former candidate Henry Clay. As Speaker of the House,

Clay gave his support to Adams, feeling as though he could implement the “American system” and

successfully strengthen the government and spur the economy as well.

During his presidency, Adams elected Henry Clay as Secretary of the State. The election of

Adams marked the end of the “Era of Good Feelings” and demonstrated an act of “corrupt

bargaining”. Similar to James Monroe, Adams’s policy of the “American System” would be

intended to utilize the government in a sincere effort to air the