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How and for whom voting rights changed in the Age of Jackson?.

User Torek
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Final answer:

During the Age of Jackson, voting rights were significantly expanded for white men, which culminated in Andrew Jackson's presidential election victory in 1828. The era saw a decline in barriers such as property qualifications but also highlighted tensions with Indigenous removal and slavery. Jacksonian democracy notably increased participation in public life for white men but not for minorities.

Step-by-step explanation:

In the Age of Jackson, often referred to as the Age of the Common Man, there was a significant expansion of democracy, especially for white men. By the late 1820s, voting rights had largely extended to almost all adult white men, obliterating previous property qualifications that restricted the electorate. The presidential election of 1828 illustrated this shift, with Andrew Jackson, who was viewed as a champion of the common man, winning a decisive victory over John Quincy Adams. Jackson's victory was propelled by broadening support from a variety of demographics including urban workers, small northern farmers, and southern planters.

Despite the democratization for white men, the period also witnessed the mass removal of Indigenous peoples from their lands, and increased tension over the issue of slavery, challenging the inclusivity of the democratic spirit. Moreover, the changes during this era did not extend to African Americans or women, who continued to be excluded from the democratic process.

Inspired by Jacksonian democracy, not only did white men gain voting rights, but also access to public services such as jury duty, public schools, and military service. The dominance of political parties rose with loyalty to these emerging as a key factor in electoral success. Jacksonian Democracy, as it was embodied during this era, promoted the participation and opinion of the 'common man' in politics, a stark departure from the age of deference that preceded it.

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