Study Guide and Learning Resources

Study Guide and Learning Resources



Short Answers:


As you read the chapter and view the videos, take notes on the following questions. Be sure to provide specific examples from this text in your responses. Your responses should be in your own words to demonstrate your understanding of the content. Quoting the text or assigned videos is encouraged, but an explanation should precede or follow the quote to demonstrate how it is germane to the short answer question. Responses should be at least 1-2 paragraphs:

  1. How did many of the Founding Fathers view the idea of democracy? How did that change between 1820 and 1840?

  2. How did ordinary men come to participate more in politics between 1820 and 1840? What trends showed that ordinary Americans were often critical of elites during this period?

  3. Describe the Missouri Compromise. How was it a compromise on slavery and westward expansion? In what ways did it leave disagreements between the North and South unresolved?

  4. What transpired in the 1824 election? Why did Andrew Jackson and his supporters consider John Quincy Adam’s victory the result of a “corrupt bargain”? What does this indicate about the USA’s democratice institutions; how would John Quincy Adams explain the need for such a “check”?

  5. In what ways was the election of 1828 a contentious election? Why was Jackson’s victory seen as a victory for the common man? What was meant by the “common man”?

  6. In his view, how did Andrew Jackson defend the interests of common people as president in controversies such as the Nullification Crisis, the Eaton Affair and the debate over the Second Bank of the United States?

  7. How did the Eaton Affair show that women could play an important role in politics? Why did Andrew Jackson side with Peggy Eaton and what were the political results?

  8. Why did the Nullification Crisis occur? What were the main issues involved? How did Andrew Jackson resolve this crisis peacefully and preserve the Union?

  9. How did Andrew Jackson play a key role in both the rise of the Democratic party and the Whig party?

  10. After reading Andrew Jackson’s bank veto message, explain Andrew Jackson’s decision to veto the Second Bank of the United States. Why did the Jacksonians oppose the Second Bank of the United States despite congressional efforts to make the institution more democratic?

  11. Why did the Panic of 1837 take place? What impact did it have on the American economy?

  12. How did the Whigs win the election of 1840? Why were they unable to implement much of their political agenda in the aftermath of the election?

  13. What sorts of prejudices did African-Americans and Catholic immigrants face between 1820 and 1840? How was this reflected in the politics of this period?


Key Terms:


As you read and view the videos, use the following terms to help you take notes.


  • Democracy

  • Andrew Jackson

  • Missouri Crisis

  • Talmadge Amendment

  • Henry Clay

  • Adams-Onís Treaty

  • Election of 1824

  • . tarrifs

  • Nullification Crisis

  • Petticoat Affair

  • bank war

  • pet banks

  • Panic of 1837

  • Whig Party

  • William Henry Harrison

  • John Tyler

  • Freemasonry

  • nativism

  • race and suffrage