Antebellum Politics in Mississippi: Establishing the State Capital and the Era of the Common Man

1. Chapter 4 Politics

2. Politics -What does the term Antebellum mean? Means: “before the war” Which war? The Civil War -Where was the first capital of Mississippi located in 1798? Natchez, because it was a substantial frontier settlement located on the MS River.

3. Establishing a Capital -In 1802, what led to the relocation of the MS state capital from Natchez to Washington MS? Political rivalry -Most of the farmers and townspeople in the eastern and northern parts of the state wanted the capital to be located where? Closer to them and located in the center of the state. -In 1821, the MS legislature formed a committee to locate a capital in the center of the state. The committee chose the capital to be located where? LeFleur’s Bluff on the Pearl River, and the town was named? Jackson, in honor of the hero of the battle of New Orleans (Andrew Jackson). -A capitol building was built during the 1840s and was replaced by the “New Capitol” at the beginning of the 20th century.

5. The Constitution of 1832 -Why was the early years of the nineteenth century referred to as the “Era of the Common Man?” Because property ownership requirements for voting was eliminated, which meant, every adult white man could vote and hold office. -Why was Andrew Jackson, who was elected president in 1828, became the most visible evidence of the “Era of the Common Man?” Because he was not wealthy and had little formal education. He became a lawyer, and a wealthy landowner from his own hard work. He became a national hero as a result of his battles against Native Americans and the British.

6. Andrew Jackson

7. What Currency is Andrew Jackson’s face on?

8. The Constitution of 1832 Cont. -The MS Constitution of 1832 reflected the so-called? Jacksonian democracy -What were some of the important changes to the provisions of the 1817 constitution? Judges were elected by the people for a specific term instead of being appointed for life. Representation in both houses of the legislature was determined only by population. -What was very important to Mississippi’s economy? Slavery -Some people began to question the morality of slavery during this time. Others feared the possibility of slave revolts. How was the white society in Mississippi divided? Into two groups: Wealthy slave owners and the poor.

9. Local Government -After 1832, what governed each county? An elected board of police. -What did this board do? Levied taxes for the operations of county affairs and imposed special taxes to consturct courthouses and jails and to support the poor. Appointed supervisors to build and maintain bridges and roads. Approved people to operate hotels, run ferries, sell alcohol, and set prices for these services. Paid school tuition for the poor, and operated public schools.

10. Facts about Andrew Jackson -Where was Andrew Jackson married at? In Mississippi Territory -Jackson fought alongside with Native Americans where? Battle of New Orleans -Jackson was either loved or hated, there was no middle ground with him or with what people thought about him. -Jackson stands as the symbol of? Jacksonian democracy and of the common man. -What was Jackson’s nickname he earned during the War of 1812? “Old Hickory” -Andrew Jackson served as president from 1829-1837. Why does he remain today what he was in his lifetime, as important and controversial? Because he upheld the authority of the federal government in the dispute about nullification, he ended the Bank of the U.S. He moved Native Americans beyond the MS River.