Jacksonian Democracy

The Jacksonian period was factually considered the era of the "common man" in the sense of movements and beliefs towards reforming the federal government, but the spoils system of Jackson's presidency decreased the celebration of the common man and more of the loyal man. The process of electing political officers became more democratic and less dependent on the "elites". Voters in the 1824 election turn against the canidate choosen by legislatures and voted for who they wanted. After the somewhat corrupt and greatly unpopular actions of Adams and Clay, Jacksonites began campaigning for Jackson as president and spoke harshly against Adams. Nullification of the Tariff of 1828 and the writing of "The South Carolina Exposition" showed that rights benefiting the common man and not of a wealthy political supporter became more important.
However, despite this strengthening of the common man, the presidency of Jackson became much less a triumphing cry of every man and more a rewards system to those loyal to Jackson himself. As president, he fired many able citizens from public service and hired those who would support his party. This action did not recognize the common man but merely those who would help the power of Jackson, voiding the immense belief that this era was of the people.