The development of democracy between 1820-1840

-Western Expansion
-Changes in Electoral politics

If the election of 1800 was a revolution in American politics then the election of 1820 was a peaceful continuation of one party politics with light undercurrents of discontent and disunity. The Democrat-Republicans had been in power for twenty years with little opposition from the dying Federalists and had been in the 'Era of good Feelings' since 1817. This time of unity, however, was drawing to a sharp close. By the next election the people would be demanding new politics, more representational leaders.

By the election of 1824 people were expanding westward in large numbers. Not many had gone very far but many had penetrated the Appalachian mountain range that was previously a line of division for the American people. At this point the settlers had settled and were demanding representation, like their family in the east was recieving. Andrew Jackson, who the settlers saw as a hero was running against John Q. Adams, a good(if cold) president. Jackson did not win the necessary electoral college votes to get elected so John Adams was elected in his place. The majority of the popular vote had gone to Jackson, however and the people saw this as an unfair conspiracy by the upper classes; they saw themselves as not being represented in the highest levels of government. For this reason the election of 1824 was known as the 'Corrupt bargain'. Unsuprisingly Andrew Jackson won the next election.

The election of 1824 had a lasting effect on American politics. It was the first time Americans had blatantly expressed dissatisfaction in their voting process and rallied to change it. The placement of people in America provides a direct correlation- The further people spread out and settle,the different representation they need. In terms of politics and people the early nineteenth century is considered a time of change.