Andrew Jackson: Champion or King?
Jackson was a contributor, a product and an example of the new democratic culture of the 1830s. However, to what
extent was Andrew Jackson truly democratic? Was he a “Champion of the Common Man” or is the nickname “King
Andrew” a more fitting description of the President?
You and a group will formulate an opinion on Jackson’s Presidency. Can Jackson be considered a Champion? Or was he
more of a King? Was he as democratic as he claimed to be?
Process
1. First, you will read the article, “The Shifting Legacy of Andrew Jackson”
2. Next, your group will formulate a thesis. What is your group’s opinion? Is he a fitting example of the new
democratic culture? Was he the “Champion of the Common Man?” Is “King Andrew” a fitting nickname?
3. After your group has decided your stance, positive or negative, you will need to find information to support your
thesis.
a. This information will come from primary and secondary sources.
b. Primary sources were written at the time period and can be found online and through our library’s
databases.
c. Secondary sources include our textbook, any online encyclopedias and reputable websites.
4. Your group will then decide how you will present the information. Options include:
a. A poster, which will include:
i. A thesis statement
ii. Five direct quotes that support your thesis
iii. Five paraphrases that support your thesis
iv. Five primary sources (documents, political cartoons, drawings) with captions
v. It will be well done and organized with headings and borders.
b. A skit, which will include:
i. References to:
1. Your thesis statement
2. At least five reasons to support your thesis statement, which are explained
3. Five quotes from primary/secondary sources
ii. Creativity
iii. Dialogue
iv. Appropriateness
v. An understanding of the material
c. An iMovie, which will include:
i. A thesis statement
ii. Three direct quotes that support your thesis
iii. Voiceover that explains at least five reasons
iv. Pictures of at least 7 primary sources (documents, political cartoons, drawings)
v. It will be well done with proper editing and transitions
d. If you have another idea how to present the information, just ask!
Andrew Jackson: Champion or King?
Jackson was a contributor, a product and an example of the new democratic culture of the 1830s. However, to what
extent was Andrew Jackson truly democratic? Was he a “Champion of the Common Man” or is the nickname “King
Andrew” a more fitting description of the President?
You and a group will formulate an opinion on Jackson’s Presidency. Can Jackson be considered a Champion? Or was he
more of a King? Was he as democratic as he claimed to be?
Process
1. First, you will read the article, “The Shifting Legacy of Andrew Jackson”
2. Next, your group will formulate a thesis. What is your group’s opinion? Is he a fitting example of the new
democratic culture? Was he the “Champion of the Common Man?” Is “King Andrew” a fitting nickname?
3. After your group has decided your stance, positive or negative, you will need to find information to support your
thesis.
a. This information will come from primary and secondary sources.
b. Primary sources were written at the time period and can be found online and through our library’s
databases.
c. Secondary sources include our textbook, any online encyclopedias and reputable websites.
4. Your group will then decide how you will present the information. Options include:
a. A poster, which will include:
i. A thesis statement
ii. Five direct quotes that support your thesis
iii. Five paraphrases that support your thesis
iv. Five primary sources (documents, political cartoons, drawings) with captions
v. It will be well done and organized with headings and borders.
b. A skit, which will include:
i. References to:
1. Your thesis statement
2. At least five reasons to support your thesis statement, which are explained
3. Five quotes from primary/secondary sources
ii. Creativity
iii. Dialogue
iv. Appropriateness
v. An understanding of the material
c. An iMovie, which will include:
i. A thesis statement
ii. Three direct quotes that support your thesis
iii. Voiceover that explains at least five reasons
iv. Pictures of at least 7 primary sources (documents, political cartoons, drawings)
v. It will be well done with proper editing and transitions
d. If you have another idea how to present the information, just ask!
5. Bibliography
a. Your group will turn in a Bibliography that includes the sources that you used in your project.