The election of 1828 marked a turning point in American politics. Four years earlier, Andrew Jackson won the most votes but lost when the House of Representatives picked John Quincy Adams for President. Many citizens believed a “corrupt bargain” placed Adams in power after he named Henry Clay Secretary of State. That sense of unfairness never faded. It fueled Jackson’s second campaign.
This time, the political landscape had shifted. By the late 1820s, most states had dropped property rules for voting. This meant more white men could vote in elections than before. Campaigns had to appeal to this larger public. Candidates held rallies, parades, and clubs. Newspapers shared their ideas with everyday voters.
The fight between Jackson and Adams soon turned nasty. Both sides used mudslinging to attack their opponents. Adams’s allies printed “coffin handbills” accusing Jackson of violent acts. Jackson’s marriage was harshly insulted. In return, Jackson’s supporters claimed Adams was out of touch with everyday Americans.
Jackson presented himself as a populist candidate. His campaign platform promised to support the "common man" and fight against wealthy insiders. He wanted a simpler government. He said the government should support everyday people, not just the rich. New groups of voters felt strongly connected to his message.
In the end, Jackson won decisively. He gained about 56 percent of the popular vote and a wide margin in the Electoral College. His victory started what we call Jacksonian democracy. During this time, party politics became stronger. More Americans felt engaged in politics. The 1828 election showed how new rules and more public involvement changed American democracy. It set a pattern for future elections.
