Monday, November 12, 2007

Did the Election of 1828 Represent a Democratic Revolt of the People?

Although both articles had their strong points, Professor McCormick, author of the "No" article, had a better argument. McCormick gave more examples that fit the title and ones that made sense (to me).
First, he mentioned that it couldn't have been a democratic revolt; there weren't the masses of people coming out like they probably would've expected. In only six states, the "Voter High" was established when compared with the Pre-1824 voting. Second, there was a low voter turnout. There was little incentive for them to vote, as McCormick stated. Last, the voting percent of the 1828 election was 56.3% and earlier, 15 of the 22 states had higher than that. The election for governor in 34 of 50 elections had more of a turnout that for the presidential election.
Both authors had very good arguments, but McCormick had better ones that made sense. The election of 1828 didn't really represent a democratic revolt.