The Wilentz reading describes the change American politics went through. One major change was how much the people\u2019s perception of the president\u2019s integrity can affects his patronage. Wilentz first demonstrates this through the 1824 election in which Henry Clay appeared to have committed a wrong doing, forever smearing how the people perceived Adams, especially during the 1828 election (256). The emphasis on presidential integrity is further seen during Jacksons\u2019 1827 campaign period. Here, as Rebecca and Ella describe, the campaign became more focused on slander then politics (306). This development, although not entirely new, was partially due to the Second Great Awakening, in which scholars placed more emphasis and interest on Christianity (266). As Charlotte mentioned, religion was seen as a moral guide to politics. This factor on top of rising new political parties that represented the more common man headed a rapid transformation of politics not entirely understood by Adams and Clay, leading to Jackson\u2019s presidential victory.<\/p>\n

Furthermore, in spite of the emphasis on presidential integrity, I believe the greatest political development during this period was the new importance of the people\u2019s interest. Jackson was said to be the common people\u2019s president. In fact he, more than any other 19^{th<\/sup> century president, won the presidency through a large marginal popular vote. His popular victory demonstrated the rising involvement of non-elites. In addition to this, all white males gained suffrage. One could further say that the stress on presidential integrity was likely due to the rising interest of the people in politics and their ability to express their interest. This growing public attentiveness is what will change American politics to what it is today and create a uniquely American government.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"}

The Wilentz reading describes the change American politics went through. One major change was how much the people\u2019s perception of the president\u2019s integrity can affects his patronage. Wilentz first demonstrates this through the 1824 election in which Henry Clay appeared to have committed a wrong doing, forever smearing how the people perceived Adams, especially during … <\/p>\n

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