Lesson 4: Democracy in America

The first half of the 19th century witnessed a remarkable expansion of democracy in America, marked by transformative political, social, and legal changes. The era saw the broadening of suffrage rights, with several states eliminating property ownership requirements for voting, thus allowing a larger segment of the population to participate in the democratic process. Furthermore, as more Americans were allowed to vote, new political parties emerged to represent the various concerns of the emerging constituencies.

Reading Activities

Despite the prevailing contemporary belief that democracy was a fundamental tenet of the American Revolution, many founders were skeptical. During the Constitutional Convention of 1787, figures like Alexander Hamilton and Elbridge Gerry expressed concerns about what they perceived as the "vices of democracy." The elite feared that excessive citizen participation would disrupt social order and hinder the establishment of a secure and united republic. However, the democratic impulses of the American people persisted, with citizens actively engaging in politics through voting, public demonstrations, speeches, and petitions. Despite the elite's reservations, political leaders learned to value popular favor, and ironically, the American presidency, an office resembling a king's, came to symbolize the democratizing spirit of American politics between the 1790s and 1830s.