Presidential election
1828 presidential election
Andrew Jackson defeated John Quincy Adams, winning 178 of 261 electoral votes and 56% of the popular vote.
Results
57.3%
Turnout rate
1.1M
Total votes cast
2.2M
Eligible voters
| State | Electoral votes | Winner | Margin |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pennsylvania(PA) | 28 | DemocraticJackson | +33.3% |
| New York(NY) | 36 | DemocraticJackson | +3% |
| Ohio(OH) | 16 | DemocraticJackson | +3% |
| Massachusetts(MA) | 15 | National RepublicanAdams | +67% |
| Virginia(VA) | 24 | DemocraticJackson | +39% |
Candidates
Party
DemocraticRunning mate
John C. Calhoun
Home state
Tennessee
Age at election
61
Previous position
U.S. Senator from Tennessee, Major General
Campaign slogan
"Jackson and Reform"
Popular vote
642.6K
(56%)
Electoral votes
178
Party
National RepublicanRunning mate
Richard Rush
Home state
Massachusetts
Age at election
61
Previous position
6th President of the United States (Incumbent)
Popular vote
500.9K
(43.6%)
Electoral votes
83
Northern States
Adams
50%
Southern States
Jackson
72%
Western States
Jackson
68%
Key events
Tariff of Abominations
Controversial protective tariff passed, angering South
Coffin Handbills
Campaign accused Jackson of murder and adultery
Issues & context
Rematch of 1824. Jackson portrayed as man of the people robbed by 'corrupt bargain.' Most negative campaign to date with attacks on Jackson's wife Rachel. Birth of modern Democratic Party.
Generally prosperous. Tariff of 1828 ('Abominations') creating sectional tensions. Cotton economy booming. Bank of United States stable but controversial.
Adams never recovered from 'corrupt bargain' accusation. Aloof personality hurt him. His National Republican policies unpopular in South and West.
Launched Jacksonian Democracy era. Expanded suffrage and popular participation. Modern two-party system emerged. Rachel Jackson died before inauguration, Jackson blamed enemies.
Did you know?
- 1.Most vicious campaign in American history to that point
- 2.Rachel Jackson died weeks after election; Jackson blamed Adams supporters
- 3.Jackson's nickname 'Old Hickory' from his toughness as soldier
- 4.First president from west of Appalachians
- 5.Tripled voter turnout from 1824