Final answer:
The political and social changes before the 1828 presidential election, such as expanded suffrage and new campaign methods, led to Andrew Jackson's victory and reflected a shift toward greater democracy with the emergence of the Democratic Party and the increased influence of the popular vote.
Step-by-step explanation:
One significant effect of the political and social changes leading up to the 1828 presidential election was the rise of Andrew Jackson and the Democratic Party. The election symbolized a shift toward greater democracy and the influence of the popular vote.
This was partly due to the expansion of suffrage to more white males and the transformation of American political campaigns to appeal directly to the voters, emphasizing the figure of the 'common man'. The disconnect between the older political practices and the newer ones, including distrust following the 'corrupt bargain' of 1824, helped to galvanize support for Jackson.
Moreover, regional interests played a larger role, as shown by the contentious Tariff of 1828, which caused significant distress to the Southern economy while Jackson's image as a defender of states' rights and a champion of the common man contributed to his landslide victory in both the popular and Electoral College votes.
These events led to a shift in political power and the cementing of the two-party system, indicated by the emergence of the Democratic Party, which characterized American politics for years to come.
The election is seen as a turning point in American history, further unfolding the democratic spirit in the United States and setting the stage for subsequent elections with increased voter participation and campaign engagement.