US History

U.S. History Study Guide

9.19 The Adams Administration 1825-1829 John Quincy Adams, son of John Adams pushed for an active federal government in areas such as, internal improvements and Native American affairs. These policies proved unpopular in an age of increasing state jealousies and conflicts over states’ rights. Adams was frustrated at every turn by his Jacksonian opposition, and his unwillingness, or inability, to compromise further antagonized his political enemies. His personality did not help him either, much like his father, he was very grumpy and lacked political grace. Nothing of great importance took place under his administration. Adams would be better known for what he did before his Presidency and after. Adams would do something no other President has done to date; hold office in Congress after his Presidency. John Quincy Adams would do more as a Congressman than he did as a President by leading the movement against slavery. 9.20 Return of the Two-Party System The Democratic Party and National Republican Party The factions within the Democratic-Republican Party that arose in 1824 became the foundation of a new political party. Jackson’s supporters, led by Martin Van Buren and John C. Calhoun (who was also Adams’ vice president), rallied together and formed what became known as the Democratic Party. Angered over Jackson’s loss in 1824, Democrats chose to nominate Jackson for president in 1828. The opposition, now known as the National Republican Party, supported Adams for re-election. Democrats portrayed Jackson as a hero of the common man and states’ rights, and Adams as an aloof aristocrat. 9.21 The Election of 1828 Adams’ supporters ran on the National Republicans ticket, and Jackson’s party ran on the Democrats ticket. The campaign was the first true mud-slinging contest and became dirty on both sides. When the votes were counted, Jackson had won 56 percent of the popular vote and swept 178 of the electoral votes. John Calhoun was elected vice president. When Jackson arrived in Washington D.C. for his inauguration, he refused to pay the customary courtesy call on the outgoing president. And John Quincy Adams reciprocated by refusing to attend the inauguration of Jackson.

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