Similarities Between Jacksonian And Whig Parties

The two major parties of the Jacksonian era include the Jacksonian Democrats and the Whig Party. During the 1830s to the 1840s, the Jacksonian Democratic Party and the Whig Party differed through their beliefs of social reforms and through the role of the federal government in the economy. Similarities are also found among the two parties. The Jacksonian Party was the most popular among the two parties. In this party, a largely agrarian republic and low tariffs were favored. Jacksonians favored a federal government with limited powers and favored state sovereignty. This party also did not support internal improvements; a Laissez-faire economic approach, which was a non hands on approach to the economy, was supported. In matters concerning the federal government involvement in the economy, Jackson was a firm opposer of a federally operated economic …show more content…
The Jacksonian democrats relied on slave labor but since the Whigs did not need slave labor, due to its focus on manufacturing, they thought it would be best to get rid of slavery once and for all. They were more concentrated on emancipation, educational opportunities for all, and the rights of women than the Jacksonian democrats.
Apart from their being several differences between the Jacksonian Democratic Party and the Whig Party, similarities are also present. Just like the Jacksonian democrats usage of cheap labor through slavery, the Whigs used children as a means of cheap labor. Apart from that, both parties also tried to gain many votes by associating themselves with the common man. Overall, the most important similarity among these two parties is the fact that they both focus greatly on having a united and prosperous nation, despite the difference in the paths taken to reach that