Andrew Jackson and Democracy Lesson Plan w/Primary Sources

This lesson is meant to introduce students to the presidency of Andrew Jackson. Students will first complete a "Do Now" opening activity in which they are asked about democracy. This ties directly to the changes to American democracy during Jackson's era.

Next, students will copy short guided notes about Jackson and complete a reading about his background and rise to the presidency.

Students will then analyze various primary and secondary sources related to Jackson, including the election of 1828, the spoils system, Indian Removal, and the famous "King Andrew" cartoon.

Finally, students will watch a video summarizing Jackson's presidency (good and bad) and write an exit ticket conveying their opinion on the president.

This is meant for a regular or Advanced Placement United States history course at the high school level. It may also be used at the middle school level, but may require extra scaffolding or work time.

Students do not need to know about Andrew Jackson prior to this lesson, but should be familiar with earlier developments in U.S. history (e.g. Native-American displacement, early voting rights). Students should generally understand how to read primary sources and form a historical argument; this lesson is designed as practice for those skills. The entire lesson will take about 90 minutes, depending on students' pace and whether or not the instructor gives part of the lesson as homework.