Unit Plan 19 (Grade 8 Social Studies): The Age of Jefferson and Jackson
Examine how Jefferson and Jackson expanded aspects of democracy while testing federal power, judicial authority, and founding ideals—and how these shifts reshaped rights, lands, and opportunities for diverse communities.
Focus: Examine how leadership under Thomas Jefferson and Andrew Jackson expanded elements of democracy while testing federal power, judicial authority, and founding ideals—and how these shifts affected diverse communities.
Grade Level: 8
Subject Area: Social Studies (U.S. History • Civics)
Total Unit Duration: 5 sessions (one week), 50–60 minutes per session
I. Introduction
Students investigate the constitutional and social transformations from Jefferson’s election through Jacksonian democracy. They analyze how promises of liberty and equality expanded for some (e.g., broader white male suffrage) while rights and land were stripped from others (e.g., Indigenous nations). Through maps, case excerpts, political cartoons, and economic data, learners evaluate tensions among branches, states, and the federal government.
Essential Questions
- How did Jefferson and Jackson expand ideas of democracy, and for whom?
- In what ways did leaders and courts challenge or defend federal power, states’ rights, and the rule of law?
- How did economic and regional interests shape political conflict and policy outcomes?
II. Objectives and Standards
Learning Objectives — Students will be able to:
- Explain major causes/effects linking elections, policies, and court decisions to changing ideas of democracy and federal power.
- Analyze constitutional structures (branches, checks and balances, federalism) in conflicts over the Bank, tariffs, embargoes, and removal.
- Compare diverse perspectives (Indigenous nations, enslaved/free Black Americans, women, regional groups) on expansion, rights, and policy impacts.
- Use maps, charts, and primary texts to support a historical explanation about the era’s democratic gains and exclusions.
- Communicate a claims-based conclusion and respond to counterexamples using accurate terminology.
Standards Alignment — 8th Grade (C3-based custom)
- 8.C3.Civ.1–2: Founding ideals; constitutional structure, branches, checks & balances, and federalism.
- 8.C3.Hist.2–3: Causes/effects of major developments; diverse perspectives and experiences.
Success Criteria — Student Language
- I can trace how a policy or decision changed who had power or voice in government.
- I can apply federalism and checks and balances to explain a conflict’s outcome.
- I can incorporate multiple perspectives and evidence (map/text/data) to justify my conclusion.