Final answer:
Democracy in America expanded from the era of Thomas Jefferson to Andrew Jackson, with significant democratic reforms such as the extension of voting rights to nearly all white men and the emergence of the Democratic Party, emphasizing populist ideals and majority rule.
Step-by-step explanation:
From the times of Thomas Jefferson to Andrew Jackson, democracy in America underwent significant expansion. The Age of the Common Man under Jackson saw democratic reforms that extended political rights to a broader segment of the population, specifically nearly all white men. Jacksonian democracy promoted the inclusion of the everyman in politics, contrasting with the elite political circles of earlier administrations like that of John Quincy Adams.
These changes commenced with the removal of property qualifications for voting, which had restricted suffrage to property-owning individuals. The election of 1828 marked a notable turning point as Andrew Jackson's victory represented a shift to a more populist and democratic political landscape. This election spawned the Democratic Party, which rooted itself in the ideals of majority rule and expanded electorate participation.
Moreover, governmental posts became increasingly elective rather than appointive, emphasizing the ideal of equality among white males. However, this era also featured stark inequalities, including the forceful displacement of Native Americans and the entrenchment of slavery. Despite these contradictions, Jacksonian America is characterized by its populist and egalitarian ethos, challenging the previous politics of deference and paving the way for a more inclusive democracy, at least among white males.